Inspiring schoolchildren to pursue their dreams, Etihad Airways and the Mumbai Indians cricket team coordinated a ‘My Dream Destination’ drawing competition at Gopi Birla Memorial School in South Mumbai.
By submitting their drawings more than 150 children, aged 10 to 12 years, had a chance to win prizes, including merchandise and tickets to see their cricketing heroes in action.
Harbhajan Singh and Kieron Pollard were among the star players who turned up at the school, spending time with students, serving as judges for the competition, signing autographs and taking pictures.
Mitvi Dattani, aged 12, whose drawing of Disneyland who took the top prize, was chosen to be part of the traditional coin toss ceremony at Mumbai Indians’ recent home match against Rising Pune Supergiants at Wankhede Stadium.
Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways Vice President Indian Subcontinent, said:
“Etihad Airways has a strong commitment to the community, continuing to look at ways to forge links between our promotional activities in the cities we fly to, and the local communities we serve. It was therefore with great joy and delight that we were able to bring together children at Gopi Birla Memorial School and their Mumbai Indians cricketing heroes for a fun morning.”
Deepa Shetty, Principal at Gopi Birla Memorial School, added:
“With summer vacations round the corner, My Dream Destination was an apt competition theme created by Etihad Airways for our grade 5 to 7 students. The presence of their favourite IPL cricketers was like a cherry on the top, especially for the prize winners. Kudos to the IPL cricketers for taking time out of their busy schedule to interact with the children. Heartfelt thanks also to the Etihad Airways team for making it possible for my students to meet their dream role models.”
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is lending its support for the fourth year running to one of the most successful franchise teams and one of India’s biggest sports brands, the Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament.
Currently at the top of the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians are looking for a third IPL title after successes in 2013 and 2015.
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said:
“My Dream Destination was an extension of Etihad Airways and Mumbai Indians’ partnership over the years. Mumbai Indians are happy to associate with a noble idea, and it is always a pleasure for our players to meet kids, share their enthusiasm and help fulfil their dreams.”