This initiative is carried out at the St. Catherine of Siena school and orphanage in Bandra, Mumbai (India), by Patricia Furtado, former player of the National Hockey Team. She inspires the children of St. Catherine’s Home in Bandra to participate in sports activities. “We have about 240 children. I started playing hockey, football, basketball and two years ago my girls reached the final of the under-13 football. It was a joy to see a disadvantaged child reach that level,” she said.

Children are divided into teams according to the slums they belong to, so Rainbow Kids. This name came up to avoid using the names of the slums, because they are often derogatory. So, Patricia came up with the idea of using the name of a color, to differentiate the children from each slum, neighborhood. It is a race for unity in which street children of all religions are part of a team. It’s a matter of dignity for them when they play a game in their school colours.

The children are also provided with shoes, clothes, and supplies, which Patricia gets through donations. She also supports and encourages them to attend school, among other things. Sport is an important means for Patricia, as it seeks to instill in the children values of companionship, discipline, play and harmony. Many children have found a different future thanks to their passage through Rainbow Kids.

Website

https://www.saintcatherineshome.com/