Cricketers Allan Border, Kambli, Fleming had fun time playing with underprivileged

Former Australian cricket captain Allan Border along with ex-Test players Vinod Kambli, Damien Fleming, former Australian woman cricketer Melanie Jones, Olympian Basketball player Brett Wheeler, professional NBL player Darren Smith and renowned soccer coach Tim Wastil visited DY Patil Sports Academy's stadium, Nerul on Thursday. The occasion was a charity event by Australian-based NGO Red Dust Role Models and Pratham Council for Vulnerable Children that looks after underprivileged children and tries to make their future bright.

"This was a wonderful programme wherein we didn't teach any cricketing techniques but tried to spread health messages through bit of fun activities and cricket. This also made the kids happy," stated Border who once held the record of scoring maximum runs in the Test cricket. The NGOs also donated equipment to the children. "We have week-long follow up programmes in Indian thrice in a year during which we come here to play and spend some quality time with the kids and develop among them liking of the sport," Border added. To develop better understanding, the NGO also roped in ex-India cricketer Vinod Kambli so that the children can relate themselves better.

"Red Dust is doing great work and I have visited quite a few places with them. They have many educational, physical fitness programmes and so on. We have lot of talent in our country and Red Dust is trying to explore it through various means. Even kids are enjoying the whole process as we can see their keenness about all the activities, be it playing any sport, composing music or singing the song," Kambli said.

Echoing similar feelings, former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming said he was thrilled to see underprivileged children enjoying. "I enjoyed each and every moment of it. It gives me immense pleasure to watch these kids have some fun as for me it is equivalent to getting Sachin Tendulkar out. It was great to see them playing cricket especially when the sport is so much popular in India," Fleming added.

Prajakta Chavan/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication