Waugh Foundation now in India
Steve Waugh has launched his global foundation for children in Delhi. Mobile ESPN’s Chetan Narula reports.
Australia legend Steve Waugh was in New Delhi this week to launch his new charity initiative, Steve Waugh Foundation Global.
"Our inaugural global project will be in India and setting up Steve Waugh Foundation India. It is well known I have been a long time supporter of India. I am passionate about this country, its people, and the causes and projects I support here" said Waugh, one of cricket's most legendary and revered players whose association with India dates back more than 22 years.
Going global
"I now want to take my charity work global in a coordinated approach and innovative way to make a serious difference," Waugh said. "I know I really can make a difference, bring hope, compassion and opportunity where once it wasn't clear or certain."
The Global Foundation will help manage and coordinate Steve's charity work around the world and in different countries. The focus of the foundation's work will be identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases and illnesses primarily focusing on children.
"I'm inspired by courage and character, especially in children and youth who are in challenging circumstances. When I see a child showing so much integrity under these conditions, with nowhere to turn, I feel compelled to make a difference" Waugh said.
A committed philanthropist, Waugh has a genuine desire to use cricket, his influence and networks to build bridges around the world.
Starting with Kolkata
The first project of the Indian Foundation will be an extension of Waugh's existing charity work near Kolkata, Udayan, a home for the rehabilitation for children whose parents suffer from leprosy or suffer from leprosy themselves.
Said Waugh: "To make a positive impact you have to give 100 % every day, be it on the cricket field or helping a child. I like a challenge and I like to get stuck in and try and do it the best I can."
iPlayup is the Founding partner of Steve Waugh Foundation Global and Steve Waugh Foundation India. iPlayUp and their partners have committed to donate a percentage of revenue from the 6UP game to the Foundation and Waugh's charity work in India and globally.
Cricket at service
"6UP is a positive innovation in the sport of cricket, its promotion, and a great way to engage the passion, skills and knowledge of cricket fans and community at all levels", Waugh said.
"There were some misconceptions about the product earlier but now they all have cleared thanks to the changes made and I am very glad that they have given me a generous percentage to increase my work here in India," he added.
Steve Waugh Foundation Global is in its early development phase. It will take another three to six months to formally finalize the Foundation.
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