As its first year, Part of a Team collected old soccer uniforms and running shoes from both E.J James Public School and an organization called “Make a Great Pass”.
The equipment was then donated to underprivileged children at Global Pathways School (GPS) in Chettipalayam, India.
I heard about GPS from a volunteer who provides his medical services there. I remember asking him one thing: “What do the students need?”, and he answered me with one word: “Everything.”
However, the inspiration was truly the children in India at GPS. They were recently introduced to the concept of running, and a handful of them developed a true passion for it.
In fact, twenty-six of them successfully completed a five-kilometre run by the end of summer. What was most impressive was that they did it in their flip-flops.
"Part of a Team" then collected over 500 pieces of athletic gear and 70 pairs of running shoes, along with soccer balls, that were recently shipped to India.
Now the children can run, play soccer, and most importantly be part of a team.
Submitted by:
Yasmine Madan
A 16-year-old
Oakville Trafalgar High School
Founder of "Part of a Team"