One of the most popular sport in Gujarat is Cricket. Bhuj is no exception. This is the only game that brings people together with excitement. Therefore every year HOPE foundation tries to organise a Cricket tournament for the local community teams.

This year too, tournament for Under-14 and Under-18 were organised during the Diwali holidays and 3 teams from local areas came together to participate. This was a fine opportunity to bring boys together and forge friendships and create sportsmanship among the young.

In the Under-14 category, teams that participated were Ashapuranagar, Shanthinagar and a team from HOPE foundation comprising of students from 6th standard.

In the Under-18 category, Ashapuranagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Nagnathnagar were the teams that participated.

In both the categories, the winners were Ashapuranagar teams. Everyone who participated received prizes and gifts.

Since this game gives many boys hope in many ways, plans are being made to have games and coaching in the night under lights in the school ground. Other sports will also be introduced and boys will be motivated to participate.

Photos from the event:

Excitement after event

Opening Batsman Sagar for Ashapuranagar

Batsmen in Action

Joy of Victory

Wicket taking excitement

Confident appeal

Kendriya Vidyalaya(KV) Team - Runners Up - U-18

Ashapuranagar, Winners - U-18

All teams

Sharad - Man of match 1, U-14

Manoj - Man of match 2, U-14 (5 wickets in 5 balls)

Noah Dinesh - Batsman of Series, U-14

Rahul - Bowler of Series, U-14

Vishal - Man of match 1, U-18

Anubhav - Man of match 2, U-18

Kamlesh - Man of match 3, U-18

Suraj - Bowler of Series, U-18

Sagar - Batsman of Series, U-18

Mayur - Captain of Shanthinagar Team, U-14

Clyde Rohan - Captain of HOPE foundation, U-14

Winning Team Captain for U-14 receiving new Bat

Bhavin - Captain of Nagnath Team, U-18

Diwaker - Captain of KV team, U-18

Kamlesh - Captain Ashapuranagar Team, U-18

Enjoying the prizes and gifts

More gifts and prizes

Volunteers from University of Portsmouth

Vinesh Pomal and Simon Drayson postgraduate students from the Portsmouth School of Architecture (University of Portsmouth, UP) in UK visited the School and spent a day with the students of class 4, 5 and 6.

This trip was part of Vinesh's architectural award, which enabled him to fly to India. They both choose to spend time with the students of the HOPE foundation School after having come to know about it through this blog.

The children along with Vinesh and Simon had a great time. They were taught basics of architectural drawing and a quick competition was organised. The winners were rewarded with special goodies from UP. All participants received pens and bookmarks.

It was special time, for the students and volunteers alike. Hope this encourages others out there to come forth and support our work in similar ways.

Few pictorial memories:

Participants with Volunteers and Teachers

Vinesh Teaching

Simon with Students

Hangout time

Sheetal (4th class) with her drawing

Both explaining different angles of drawing

Absorbing it all

Simon with expert advice

Presentations

Kausar (6th) winner among girls, get a T-shirt

Tejinder Singh (4th) winner among Boys

At the time of posting this blog, We have news that Vinesh and Simon have been able to raise some funds through their lectures as donation for the school. We are very grateful for this gesture. Thanks Friends!