GameChanger India was founded as a social initiative that aims at increasing sports access and sporting opportunities and spaces for students from underserved communities throughout the nation.
The project started with a data driven approach, by collaborating with Dream Futures, in a comprehensive needs assessment called the GamePlan Survey. It was conducted across many schools to understand the interests in sports for students, what is the availability of infrastructure, and proper coaching. After reviewing the insights gathered, it revealed to us a clear demand for multisport facilities and structured education and training in sports for students.
To build on these findings, GameChanger India launched Level the Playing Field, an online fundraiser campaign that raised AMOUNT to support the development of sporting infrastructure in the required areas. The funds helped us to construct the GameChanger Multipurpose Court in Hyderabad, providing cement courts for basketball, volleyball, and football tailored to the preferences of students.
To make sure of the fact that access translated to high levels of engagement, the initiative also created the Long Game Coach Facility, a professional physical education coach who trained students for one year. Holding biweekly sporting sessions for students that integrated with their timetables, and consisted of structured sports programs for the school students.
Beyond just the physical education and infrastructure, GameChanger expanded on its impact through knowledge sharing, by founding the GameHighlights Podcast, which goes through the role of sports education, especially within low income communities and school systems. The podcast featured episodes with professional athletes who shared their own journeys and insights into proper training, nutrition and advice for budding athletes.