How sponsorship helped five students from ASWA Foundation’s Children Learning Centre participate in the 15th Indian National Open Memory Championship 2024
An opportunity can change the way a young person sees what is possible.
But sometimes, an opportunity needs someone to step forward and make it possible.
When five students from ASWA Foundation’s Children Learning Centre in Shadnagar were selected for the 15th Indian National Open Memory Championship 2024, there was an opportunity for them to step onto a national stage.
The next step was making their participation possible.
That is where the support of Dr. R Uma Sharma, Mr. Nanjunda and M. Sri Lakshmi made a difference.
From Selection To Participation
The five students had been introduced to Memory Sport through the grassroots initiative led by Dr. P. Srinivas Kumar, Chief-in-Charge of Championships of the Indian Memory Sports Council.
After receiving training and completing the selection process, five students from the Children Learning Centre were selected:
- S. Nandini
- M. Mahesh
- S. Ashwini
- M. Meena
- S. Gangothri
They were now eligible to participate in the national championship.
But selection alone does not put a participant on the championship floor.
Participation also involves a championship fee.
For these students, financial support was arranged so that the opportunity could move from selection to actual participation.
Three Sponsors Stepped Forward
Dr. R Uma Sharma, Mr. Nanjunda and M. Sri Lakshmi came forward to sponsor the championship participation fees for the five selected students.
Their support ensured that all five students could participate in the national championship.
For the students, this meant that financial circumstances would not prevent them from experiencing their first national-level Memory Championship.
Why This Support Matters
At first glance, sponsoring a championship fee may seem like a small contribution.
But for a young student, it can represent an important opportunity.
It can mean:
“I have been selected.”
“I can participate.”
“I can compete on a national platform.”
“I can see what is possible for me.”
That experience can stay with a child long after the championship itself is over.
It can build confidence, provide exposure and encourage the student to continue developing a skill that they may never have discovered otherwise.
Supporting Grassroots Memory Sport
The ASWA Foundation initiative was part of a broader effort to take Memory Sport beyond conventional competitive environments and introduce it to children from diverse backgrounds.
The students first learned Memory Science and memory techniques at the Children Learning Centre.
They continued training.
They went through a selection process.
They were selected.
And sponsorship helped them take the final step — participating in the national championship.
This is how grassroots development can work:
Opportunity + Training + Support = Participation
The Impact Goes Beyond Five Students
The impact of sponsorship does not necessarily stop with the students who receive it.
When children participate in a national championship, their peers see them stepping onto a larger platform.
Their families see a new possibility.
Their teachers and organisations see the potential of introducing new skills.
And other children can become motivated to learn and participate themselves.
In this way, supporting five participants can help create an impact that extends beyond those five individuals.
A Model For Future Support
As Indian Memory Sports Academy and the Indian Memory Sports Council work towards taking Memory Sport to more schools and communities, there will be many more opportunities where financial support can help remove barriers to participation.
Future sponsorship can support:
- Championship participation for deserving students
- Memory training programmes
- School and community outreach
- Learning resources and equipment
- Grassroots talent identification
- Participation of children from underserved communities
- Development of young memory athletes
Every contribution can help create another opportunity.
A Thank You To Those Who Supported The Journey
The participation of the five students from ASWA Foundation’s Children Learning Centre was made possible with the support of:
- Dr. R Uma Sharma
- Mr. Nanjunda
- M. Sri Lakshmi
Their support helped five young students experience a national-level Memory Championship.
But more importantly, it demonstrated what sponsorship can do at the grassroots:
It can turn selection into participation.
It can turn an opportunity into an experience.
And it can help a young learner believe that the national stage is within reach.
The Next Opportunity Could Be Yours
Indian Memory Sports Academy believes that talent can be found everywhere.
The goal is to create opportunities for more children and learners to discover Memory Science, develop their abilities and participate in Memory Sport.
To make that possible at scale, support from individuals, organisations and businesses can play an important role.
If you or your organisation would like to support grassroots Memory Sport and help create opportunities for deserving participants, we would be glad to hear from you.
Support a participant. Support an opportunity. Help build a culture of Memory Sport in India.
