Mumbai, October 06, 2023: The Isaac Family Foundation, founded by Mr. Ajit Isaac, Chairman of Quess Corp, has partnered with the Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA) to promote universal access to sports and physical activity by 2047. This partnership involves a contribution of INR 3.5 crores by Mr. Ajit Isaac, to be disbursed over three years, supporting SSA's research, policy, and program initiatives aimed at encouraging physical activity for all Indians.
The event, held at the Bangalore International Center (BIC), centered on the significance of physical activity and fitness. The panel discussion, titled ‘Why Physical Activity Matters,’ featured notable figures such as Swetha Subbiah (Co-Founder, Sisters in Sweat), SaumilMajmudar (Co-founder & Group CEO, SportzVillage), Anisha Padukone (CEO, The Live Love Laugh Foundation), and Dilip Kumar (Marathoner and Investments, Rainmatter Foundation).
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr Ajit Isaac said, “A measure of society's success lies in its ability to uplift those at the periphery and integrate them into the mainstream. This perspective has been the driving force behind the Foundation’s efforts to identify and support those who face disadvantages. Sports fosters discipline, teamwork, and resilience in children, moulding them into well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges. For adults, it is the key to longevity, vitality, and mental well-being. Investing in sports initiatives inspires a culture of fitness, inclusivity, and aspiration. Through this commitment, we can build healthier bodies and stronger communities, where physical vitality is cherished as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life."
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Desh Gaurav Sekhri, Co-founder SSA, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. AjitIssac to SSA’s Founder’s Circle of grantors. We are proud to have him as an anchor donor, and through his contribution, we aim to deliver the social and economic value of sport and physical activity to every Indian. Sports and physical activity should be treated as a preventive health measure that has the power to create a social impact and should be considered a national priority. Through such donations, we have catalyzed positive change, breaking down barriers to access and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.”
This event was part of SSA's Mission 100 initiative, with a goal to achieve universal physical activity in India by 2047, coinciding with India's centenary of independence. The initiative seeks to shift the paradigm, promoting physical activity as a form of self-care that enhances health and leadership. The primary beneficiaries of the INR 3.5 Crores contribution are the general public, particularly those interested in physical activity. SSA collaborates with State and Central Governments to shape sports-related policies and supports NGOs through initiatives like the Active India Innovation Lab. Notable members of SSA's Founder's Circle of Grantors include industry leader Mr. Ashish Dhawan, CEO of The Convergence Foundation. The first 'State of Play' report on physical activity and sport in India is scheduled for publication in February 2024.
