TNPL 2016 - For a noble cause: TNCA’S gesture lights up special kids' day

There was plenty to cheer for in the India Cements TN Premier League on Wednesday as 15 autistic children from the Lotus Foundation in Kottivakkam were invited to watch the game between Albert Tuti Patriots and Lyca Kovai Kings at the Chepauk Stadium. The initiative was taken by Patriots’ owner Albert Muralidharan. Muralidharan said, “I requested the TNCA and they immediately obliged. I have to thank them for this opportunity.” The youngsters looked happy while cheering for their team and wore the Patriots’ jersey. Nandini Santhanam (founder, Lotus Foundation) said, “They’ve been excited all day as nothing happened at school. They wore their t-shirts at 3 o’ clock itself.” The foundation also has a full-fledged sports academy with top-notch facilities for table-tennis, badminton, carrom and cricket. “They enjoy sports and the physical activity,” Nandini said. Aparna Ravichander (communications head, Lotus foundation) says, “It’s an exposure for the children as some of them love sport. Though they are autistic and non-verbal, they enjoy watching cricket. It is good that the TNCA gave us this opportunity to bring the children here.” The foundation has a lot of bonding activities which includes taking the children out for movies, trips, holidays and other fun activities. A typical day at the foundation includes meditation, prayer, yoga, individual work, academics and communication. Lunch is followed by activities like music, art, sports and communication – all of which form an important part of the curriculum. One of the students, Gayatri, who has completed her Masters in HR said, “I’m enjoying the match a lot.” Arun Kumar, another student, said, “The match is going great. They’re playing stylishly.” It was indeed a special moment for the youngsters as they attended their first ever live match.