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Author: AdminSSF

From School Tracks to Big Dreams: SSF Backs Kerala’s Young Sprint Sensations

Posted on by AdminSSF

At the Sanju Samson Foundation, we are always on the lookout for stories that embody true grit and potential. Recently, the dust had barely settled on the tracks of the Kerala School Sports Meet when two names emerged, not just as winners, but as inspirations: Devapriya Shaibu and T.M. Athul.

These two young athletes did more than just win their races; they ran straight into the record books, breaking long-standing marks with a determination that resonated far beyond the stopwatch. Their remarkable achievements have been covered by several prominent news outlets, including Mathrubhumi, The Tribune, and Deshabhimani.

Meet the Record-Breakers

Devapriya Shaibu: The Blazing Spirit

Hailing from Thrissur, Devapriya Shaibu blazed through the girls’ sub-junior 100-meter race. With explosive speed and unwavering focus, she shattered a record that had stood for years, announcing her arrival as a formidable talent in Indian athletics. Her journey, fueled by immense dedication, is a powerful testament to what young women in sports can achieve.

T.M. Athul: The Double Champion

From Kasaragod, T.M. Athul delivered a performance for the ages. In an incredible display of versatility and raw power, he broke records in both the boys’ sub-junior 100-meter and 200-meter categories. To dominate both sprint distances is a rare feat, highlighting not just his speed but his exceptional athletic prowess and determination.

The Sanju Samson Foundation’s Commitment

When we learned of Devapriya and Athul’s achievements and the immense potential they represent, we knew the Sanju Samson Foundation had to be a part of their journey. Their talent was born on the humble tracks of their schools, but their dreams belong on the biggest stages the world has to offer.

We are proud to announce that the Sanju Samson Foundation is stepping forward to support Devapriya Shaibu and T.M. Athul.

Our support is a commitment to ensuring that their path forward is paved with opportunity, not obstacle. We believe that financial constraints or lack of resources should never be a hurdle for talent of this caliber. By backing these young champions, we are investing in the future of Indian sports and sending a powerful message that hard work and excellence will be recognized and nurtured.

A Legacy of Empowerment

This initiative is at the very heart of our mission. Just as we strive to uplift communities through health and education, we are committed to empowering the young dreamers who will make our nation proud. Devapriya and Athul are more than just athletes; they are role models, showing every child in Kerala that no dream is too big.

We will be cheering them on every step of the way. The finish line they just crossed is only the beginning.

The Sanju Samson Foundation: Fueling Dreams, Building Futures.

   

SSF Kerala Express – A Hunt for Kerala’s Next Speedsters

Posted on by AdminSSF

Event Overview:
SSF Kerala Express was a flagship initiative by the Sanju Samson Foundation (SSF), aimed at discovering and nurturing Kerala’s next generation of fast bowlers. The event took place in Kochi, bringing together 25 young bowlers from across 14 districts in Kerala to showcase their speed, skill, and potential. The event was designed to provide a platform for local talent to shine, especially in an environment that challenges them to push their limits.

Key Event Highlights:

  • Total Participants: 25 bowlers from 14 districts of Kerala.
  • Mentorship & Selection: Former Indian pacer Tinu Yohannan served as the event’s mentor and selector, with Sanju Samson himself motivating and guiding the players throughout the event.
  • Rounds of Competition: The event consisted of multiple rounds where participants competed in high-intensity trials to bowl at speeds exceeding 124 km/h, with the top 12 bowlers advancing to the next rounds.
  • Top Speed Achieved: Some participants touched speeds near 140 km/h, showcasing immense raw potential.
  • Winners & Prizes: The top 3 bowlers were awarded prizes, including a ₹1 lakh cash prize, monthly scholarships, and sponsorships for one year, along with training and mentorship.

Vision & Mission of SSF Kerala Express:

Vision:
SSF Kerala Express was conceived with a vision to uncover and empower young talent from Kerala’s grassroots, specifically focusing on fast bowling—one of the most demanding yet underrepresented aspects of cricket. The event aimed to provide athletes with opportunities that would help them transition from local tennis-ball cricket to the professional cricketing stage.

Mission:

  • Empower youth through sports.
  • Support underprivileged athletes who may lack the necessary resources to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
  • Create pathways for talent to reach higher levels in professional cricket by offering mentorship, sponsorship, and training opportunities.
  • Give back to society by investing in the next generation of cricketers and creating a sustainable, lasting impact.

Stakeholders & Partners:

  • Sanju Samson Foundation (SSF) – Organizer and driving force behind the event.
  • Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) – Official partner, supporting the event and contributing to its success.
  • Tinu Yohannan – Event mentor, providing professional expertise and guidance.
  • Basil Joseph & Johny Antony – Special guests, lending their celebrity status to inspire participants and add value to the event.

Beneficiaries:

  • Young Athletes: Local bowlers from across Kerala, particularly those from underserved communities, were given a rare opportunity to compete at a high level and showcase their potential.
  • SSF Kerala Express Winners: The top 3 bowlers received valuable prizes, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities to help them advance in their cricketing careers.
  • SSF Community: The event further solidified SSF’s mission of community development through sports, offering long-term benefits to all those involved.

Opportunities Provided:

  • Platform for Young Talent: SSF Kerala Express provided participants with the opportunity to showcase their speed and skill on a prominent platform.
  • Exposure to Professional Coaches: Participants had the opportunity to be mentored by one of India’s most experienced pacers, Tinu Yohannan, who helped identify and guide future cricketers.
  • Performance Training: Top-performing bowlers received access to high-performance training facilities and expert advice.
  • Sponsorship & Scholarships: Winners were awarded Puma sponsorships and monthly scholarships to support their development over the next year.
  • International Exposure: The event opened doors for international-level exposure for the top 3 performers, offering them a pathway to higher cricketing levels.

Support Pillars:

  • Cricket Mentorship: Led by Tinu Yohannan, who shared his wealth of experience to guide these budding athletes.
  • Sponsorship Support: Puma provided branded sponsorships to the winners, ensuring they had the right gear for future competitions.
  • SSF’s Ongoing Commitment: SSF has committed to providing continued financial and technical support for the top performers, helping them develop both on and off the field.

Winners & Their Benefits:

  1. First Place – Sai Venkat
    1. Prize: ₹1 Lakh Cash Prize
    2. Benefits: Monthly Scholarship, one-year sponsorship by Puma, High-performance training, and Mentorship by Tinu Yohannan.
  2. Other Winners – Abdul Ashad & Jithin Joy
    1. Prize:, one-year sponsorship by Puma, High-performance training, and Mentorship by Tinu Yohannan.

Notable Talents from the Talent Hunt:

The event successfully unearthed several raw talents who have now received further opportunities to showcase their skills. Some notable performers, like Sai Venkat, Abdul Ashad, and Jithin Joy, have already made an impact, and others have shown immense potential for future growth. Their progress will be closely monitored by SSF, with continued training, support, and mentoring opportunities.

From Tennis Ball Cricket to Professional Cricket:

SSF Kerala Express was designed to bridge the gap between local tennis ball cricket and professional cricket. Many young athletes start their cricketing journey playing tennis-ball cricket in their communities, but transitioning to professional cricket requires more than just passion. SSF Kerala Express gave these athletes the chance to move from informal, local-level competitions to structured, high-performance cricketing environments.

Dreams of Representing on Bigger Stages:

The ultimate goal of SSF Kerala Express is to help these athletes fulfill their dreams of representing Kerala and India on the bigger cricketing stages. Through the support of SSF, Kerala Express has provided a platform for these aspiring athletes to take their talent to new heights and, with continued guidance and opportunity, potentially step onto the global stage of cricket.

Blood Donation Drive Journal: Sanju Samson Foundation

Posted on by AdminSSF

Introduction:

On the 18th of March 2023, a noble initiative was undertaken by the Sanju Samson Foundation as they organized a Blood Donation Drive at the Thycaud Woman and Child Hospital in Trivandrum, Kerala. The drive was a response to the critical shortage of blood in the blood banks in Kerala. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the team embarked on a mission to rally support from various organizations and raise awareness in colleges and clubs about the importance of donating blood.

Event Highlights:

Donors: A total of 27 selfless individuals volunteered to donate blood to address the pressing need. Unfortunately, 5 of them did not meet the criteria for donation. Their willingness to contribute was deeply appreciated.

Public Awareness: To ensure the success of the drive, the team worked diligently to spread the word about the event. Announcements were made in colleges and clubs, emphasizing the urgency of the moment and the significance of their participation.

Hospital Gratitude: The Thycaud Woman and Child Hospital expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Sanju Samson Foundation and the donors for their remarkable efforts in helping to alleviate the blood shortage.

Refreshments: All donors were provided with refreshments, ensuring they remained comfortable and energized after their selfless act.

Lunch for Hospital Staff: A special lunch was organized for the nurses and doctors who assisted in extracting and preserving the donated blood. Their dedication and support were pivotal in making the drive a success.

Event Timeline: The Blood Donation Drive commenced at 8 AM, with donors arriving one by one to make their contributions. The event concluded at 1 PM, marking a day filled with hope and solidarity.

Expenditure: The total expenditure for the drive was 15,461 Rupees, a cost that will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of those who will benefit from these donated units of blood.

Photographs: Throughout the event, numerous photographs were taken to capture the moments of compassion, unity, and community service. These pictures will serve as a reminder of the positive impact this drive had on the community.

Conclusion:

The Blood Donation Drive organized by the Sanju Samson Foundation at the Thycaud Woman and Child Hospital was a remarkable demonstration of collective compassion and unity in the face of a pressing need. The team’s tireless efforts to engage various organizations and raise public awareness contributed significantly to the success of the event. The donors who came forward to support this cause showcased the strength of human solidarity.

The Sanju Samson Foundation, the hospital staff, and all the donors deserve immense appreciation for their dedication to the well-being of their community. The 15,461 Rupees spent on the drive was a small price to pay for the countless lives that will be positively impacted by the donated blood units. This event stands as a beacon of hope and an example of the positive change that can be achieved when the community comes together.

Date: March 18, 2023

Location: Thycaud Woman and Child Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala

 

Cricket Match for Deaf Players at Bellinturf Cricket Academy

Posted on by AdminSSF

📅 Date: January 26, 2023
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Bellinturf Cricket Academy, Akulam, Trivandrum, Kerala
🎯 Host: Sanju Samson Foundation
🎖️ Chief Guest: Mr. Vinod, Secretary, Kerala Cricket Association
👥 Participants: 32 Deaf Players

Introduction:

On a bright and sunny morning of January 26, 2023, the Bellinturf Cricket Academy in Aakulam, Trivandrum, Kerala, became the backdrop for an extraordinary cricket match. Organized by the Sanju Samson Foundation, this event was specially tailored for deaf players. The gracious presence of the Secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association as the chief guest added an extra layer of significance to the day.

Event Highlights:

Participants: A total of 32 deaf players, brimming with enthusiasm, took part in the tournament, showcasing their cricketing skills and passion for the game. This event exemplified their remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.

Interpreter Services: Recognizing the importance of effective communication, a proficient sign language interpreter was on hand to facilitate communication between the teams and the organizers. This seamless interaction greatly contributed to the success of the event and ensured that every player felt heard and understood.

Tournament: The matches were fiercely competitive, highlighting the exceptional abilities of the deaf players. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and sportsmanship, emphasizing that cricket transcends all barriers, including language There were a total of 3 teams of 10 players each competing for the trophy.

Chief Guest: The presence of the Secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association Mr. Vinod as the chief guest underlined the cricketing community’s commitment to inclusivity and support for differently-abled athletes.

Breakfast: Before the matches commenced, a hearty breakfast was provided to all participants and organizers, ensuring they were energized and ready for the day’s activities.

Refreshments and Lime Juice Coolers: To keep everyone refreshed and hydrated during the match intervals, refreshments and lime juice coolers were available. This thoughtful gesture added to the overall enjoyment of the event.

Three Teams: The 32 players were divided into three teams of 10 players each, competing for the coveted trophy. This arrangement added an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the tournament.

Accommodation and Travel Support: In a remarkable display of appreciation for outstanding performance, two players, MD Suhail and Jubail, were provided with accommodation and full travel expenses. Additionally, the remaining 30 players were reimbursed for their travel expenses. This act of generosity and recognition served as a symbol of hope and encouragement.

Expenditure: The total expenditure for organizing this event amounted to 56,694 Rupees, a cost well worth the joy and inclusivity it brought to the cricketing community.

Photographs: Throughout the event, numerous photos were taken to capture the moments of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and achievement, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Conclusion:

The cricket match for deaf players at the Bellinturf Cricket Academy was not just a sporting event; it was a celebration of talent, inclusivity, and unity. The support from the Sanju Samson Foundation and the presence of the Secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association reinforced the importance of promoting inclusivity in sports. It was a day of cricket that will be remembered with warmth and admiration, showcasing the power of sports to bring people together regardless of their abilities. The actions of recognizing and supporting exceptional players sent a strong message of hope and inspiration, making this event truly memorable.