Magicians Rugby
This project's parent organization is Magic Bus
It operates in India
It uses Rugby Union
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Magicians Rugby
The Magicians are a non-profit, highly motivated, talented rugby team featuring 90 slum children, children of commercial sex workers, remand centre children, runaways & orphans in Mumbai. The ages range from 7-16 years and (16+). The Magicians players are from the poorest sections of urban society, such as Mumbai's Dharavi area (Asia's largest slum – Slumdog Millionaire) and Colaba Backbay. Convincing parents from the slums to let their children take up rugby is a challenge. But so many benefits eventually become clearly visible and the community begins to actively support them.
The Magicians have selected mentors that will go door-to-door to persuade reluctant parents to allow their children to join the program. Through regular sports practice, they are taught (by senior players) discipline, self-esteem, hygiene, nutrition and the importance of respecting team members, in a healthy and environment. We get financial support through donations from fans of the Magicians worldwide and receive kit and equipment from various distributors. The Trust needs sustained funding to encourage the players to continually attend training and to participate in tournaments throughout India, of which they have won quite a few of to date.