A Successful Sports Event by IDC/FIDE and FCCI in Collaboration with Sparta Cricket Club

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Indian Diaspora Council (IDC/FIDE) and the Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI) successfully organized the event “Empowering Indian Diaspora Through Sports,” in collaboration with Sparta Cricket Club. The event, held at the Sparta Sports Cricket Club in Capelle aan den Ijssel, Netherlands, brought together leaders from the Indian diaspora and the Dutch community to promote the role of sports in social integration and personal development.

The event strengthens a strong sense of community spirit and highlighted how sports can help bridge cultures, inspire collaboration, and contribute to personal and professional development. The day was filled with engaging panel discussions, followed by a cricket match, to underscore the message of unity and growth through sports.

Inaugural Session: Celebrating the Role of Sports in Community Building

The event began with a warm welcome by Mr. Leo de Jong, President of Sparta Cricket Club, who emphasized the importance of sports in bringing communities together and fostering a sense of belonging.

Following this, Mr. Jasbir Singh, President of FCCI & FIDE, delivered the keynote address. He spoke about the mission of both organizations and the significance of empowering the Indian diaspora through various initiatives, particularly sports, which can serve as a unifying platform.

The theme of the event, Empowering Indian Diaspora Through Sports Initiatives, was presented by Ms. Suman Korenhof-Taneja, Director of Public Relations at FCCI. She highlighted the importance of sports in professional and personal development and stressed how it can aid in building bridges between cultures.

An important address came from Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism in the Netherlands, who spoke on How to Address the Challenges of Racism in Sports. He underscored the significance of combating racism in sports and how it can contribute to the integration of diverse communities in Dutch society.

Ms. Natasha Mohamed-Hoesein, Deputy Mayor of Rotterdam, also addressed the audience with a powerful speech on Full Participation of the Indian Diaspora in Dutch Society. She spoke about the challenges faced by immigrants and the role of sports as a medium for creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Panel Discussion: Insights on Sports, Racism, and Community Building

The highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion moderated by Mr. Bikram Lalbahdoersingh, Treasurer of IDC/FIDE. The discussion brought together experts from various sectors, all with unique perspectives on the role of sports in community building.

The panelists were:

• Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Vice-President of NICCT, on building India-Netherlands partnerships.
• Ambassador Eric Niehe, former Dutch Ambassador and Olympian, on the impact of sports.
• Dr. Vijay Gangadin, APNA Chairman, on leadership and personal growth through sports.
• Ms. Denise van Deventer,former Dutch Women’s Cricket captain, on representation in sports. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A.

Sports as a Unifying Force

After the discussions, participants enjoyed a cricket match, which was coordinated by Mr. Akbal Mohamed from FCCI/FIDE. The match provided an opportunity for both participants and spectators to experience the power of sports firsthand, reinforcing the themes of unity and social integration discussed earlier in the day.

Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony led by Mr. Jasbir Singh, President of FCCI, and Dr. Pramod Agrawal, Vice President (Programs) at FCCI. Winners were awarded trophies and medals for their contributions.

Dr. Pramod Agrawal delivered the vote of thanks, extending heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hemant Mishra, Secretary General IDC/FIDE, and Mr. Dave Gurnani, Vice President Finance, FCCI. He also thanked the participants, organizers, volunteers, speakers, and panelists for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event. The ceremony was smoothly conducted by Ms. Pranita Deshpande, Director of International Affairs at FCCI, who served as the Master of Ceremony.

The day concluded with networking drinks, where participants exchanged ideas and discussed ways to further empower the Indian diaspora through various initiatives.

For more information about the event and upcoming activities, please visit our website or follow us on social media.

https://www.fcci.nl/ https://www.indiandiaspora.eu/