Hello, I'm Shaurya Banga, a student at the American School of Bombay, and I will be supporting OSCAR Foundation at the 2024 TATA Mumbai Marathon. 

OSCAR Foundation is a community based Sports for Development (S4D) organisation. It uses the power of football to encourage children to stay in school and equips them with skills to be resilient and future ready. Based on the  ‘No School, No Football’ policy, OSCAR Foundation provides football and life skills sessions to children from underserved communities on the condition that they attend school regularly. Through their Football and Life Skills, Education and Young Leader programmes, they have empowered over 15,000 children and youth in low-income communities of India, since 2010. 

I discovered my passion for athletics through track and field events. The thrill of racing down the track, the camaraderie with teammates, and the discipline required left an indelible mark on my character. Transitioning from track and field to kickboxing, I continued to embrace the physical and mental challenges that come with sports. The dedication and resilience ingrained in me through these pursuits became invaluable life lessons. 

Growing up in a household where my parents were ardent supporters of OSCAR, I witnessed the impact of their steadfast dedication to the organisation over the years. Their unwavering commitment fueled my own belief in the transformative power of sports and the positive change it can bring.

Now, as I prepare to participate in the TATA Mumbai Marathon 2024 and raise funds for OSCAR, I am driven by the desire to continue the legacy of support that my parents started. OSCAR's theme of Inclusion in Sport resonates deeply with me, reflecting their commitment to children with disabilities, encouraging girl participants, and empowering rural projects through sports-based life skills education.

I invite you to join me in this meaningful endeavour by generously contributing to my fundraising campaign. Every donation brings us one step closer to making a difference in the lives of those who benefit from OSCAR's initiatives. Together, let's champion the cause of inclusion in sports and support OSCAR in creating lasting positive change. Your generosity will not only impact the present but also pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Thank you for supporting my journey and contributing to this worthy cause.