The Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Sports Academy recently organized a mentoring session with Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane for its ‘Fitness Monitors’ adolescent students. These students are part of the Fitness Program designed by the academy and are selected for their dedication to long-term fitness. The objective of the event was to motivate adolescents to embrace a fitness-oriented lifestyle while becoming agents of change within their communities. During the session, students had the chance to interact with Rahane, learning about his fitness journey that led him to become one of India’s top cricketers. The event also featured fun fitness activities blending cricket, fitness, and motor skill development.
SBF’s 100-hour, 2-year Fitness Program is tailored for underprivileged adolescents to maintain fitness levels and enhance their participation in various sports. It also offers a platform for exploring career paths in fitness and sports-related fields. The “Fitizens Initiative” within SBF goes a step further, identifying motivated students who aspire to impact their communities and pursue careers in sports and fitness. These students, called ‘Fitness Monitors,’ advocate fitness importance, conducting community sessions and digitally tracking members’ fitness levels. SBF provides tablets for tracking fitness levels, fostering technological skills relevant to the sports industry.
In line with the Indian Government’s ‘Fit India Movement,’ SBF expanded the “Fitizens Initiative” beyond slum areas to Ganpati Pandals, Community Gardens, MCGM Bus Depots, Old Age Homes, and Corporate Offices. SBF collaborates with Fitness Monitors to identify target groups and customize fitness sessions according to age and fitness levels. Enrolled community members undergo a cycle of five fitness sessions, including “Strengthen Your Everyday Movement,” “Fitness Anywhere and Anytime,” and “Change Your Mindset to Change Your Lifestyle.”
Ajinkya Rahane praised Salaam Bombay Foundation’s initiatives, describing them as powerful means to promote fitness among underprivileged adolescents and their communities. He emphasized the importance of every child in municipal or government schools having access to such fitness programs, encouraging them to propagate the values of good health in their communities. Rahane expressed his contentment in sharing his fitness principles and inspiring motivated students, who have committed to advocating health within their communities.
Padmini Sekhsaria, Founder of Salaam Bombay Foundation, expressed gratitude for Rahane’s mentoring session, highlighting how SBF uses sports and fitness to drive attitudinal changes among underprivileged adolescents, encouraging them to stay in school and complete their education. Sekhsaria commended Rahane’s efforts and commitment to creating a healthier India for future generations.
To date, Salaam Bombay Sports Academy has trained 2,200 students through the “Fitness Program,” with 100 selected as ‘Fitness Monitors.’ Over the past year, more than 4,400 community members across India have benefited from the training provided by adolescent ‘Fitness Monitors’ through the “Fitizens Program.”
About Salaam Bombay Foundation:
Salaam Bombay Foundation, established in 2002, focuses on empowering adolescents from Mumbai’s slums to make positive choices concerning health, education, and livelihood. Through innovative education tools, leadership programs, sports academies, arts, media, and vocational skill training, the foundation helps adolescents develop well-rounded personalities and take on leadership roles within their communities. The organization’s initiatives aim to build self-esteem, improve career prospects, and nurture potential, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for these vulnerable adolescents.
