Through The Power Of Sports Changing Lives - Isha Outreach

102
Umapathy
Vyasarpadi, TAMIL NADU
Umapathy grew up playing football
in the slums of Vyasarpadi. Today,
Umapathy is an Inspector in the
Income Tax Department, with a passion for
providing football coaching and mentorship to
the underprivileged children in his community
through a society he founded.
On June 25, 2009 however, a fire gutted the
area and the society lost 10 computers, 100
sports kits and many valuable documents.
The incident inspired Umapathy to go beyond
football into the realm of education as a way
of shaping the children’s lives. A tie up with
Child Relief and You (CRY) now ensures
educational support for all the children.
Football now has the company of rugby,
carrom and chess.
Many of Umapathy’s football students have
delivered medal-winning performances at the
school, district and state levels. Girls are also
coming forward. Treated at par with the boys,
they train equally hard, are given the same
nourishment supplements, and are compelled
to complete their education with eyes set
on international success. At the recent free
camp for girls, four students – Beena Bai, U
Angel, Rammya and Priyanka – were selected
for the under-14 training programme. They
have a realistic chance of qualifying for the
national team. Umapathy’s over 500 other
students can afford to confidently dream of
such achievements too!
“I dream of taking more players to
the international level. It is important
that my kids get a more enriching
diet and a better playfield.”
Umapathy