Delhi Daredevils players will wear blue ribbons during their Indian Premier League matches to support UNICEF's initiative to protect and empower the girl child in India.
Daredevils announced their partnership with UNICEF and the campaign, coined as 'Dare To Care', will witness the franchise as well as UNICEF working towards sensitising the public on the important role girls can play in transforming the society and why education and protection can ensure that they can grow up and develop to their full potential.
Apart from this, some percentage from IPL ticket and merchandise sales will go into 'Dare To Care' funds while some Daredevils memorabilia will also be put for auction on DD website and also on indiatimes.com, and funds from that will also be used in this campaign.
"It is very important for us to protect young girls in India. We have to support them and give them strength so that they are in a position to say no whenever needed. They should be raised to a position in the society that they can give their opinions in their own household," said Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag.
"It's shocking for me to know that 40 per cent girls in the 14-17 age group are not in schools and 50 per cent girls are married before they are 18. For this 'Dare To Care' initiative, I promise UNICEF that we are ready to help in any form for this greater cause," Sehwag added.
The partnership aims to protect millions of adolescent girls still facing obstacles in their lives by experiencing various forms of discrimination, exploitation and abuse on account of their age and sex.
The initiative will focus on issues related to empowering girls with education, which will further give them the courage to say no to an early marriage and also give their views on decisions that directly impact their lives.
"Sports is about competition between two teams and is also a way to celebrate life. But this initiative is about competition in life. What we plan to do with UNICEF is not limited to a stadium but what we are daring to do is about real life. We will do anything and everything to make a difference," said Eric Simons, head coach, Delhi Daredevils.
Talking about the partnership with DD, Karen Hulshof, UNICEF Representative in India said, "Motive behind this initiative is to make sure that the adolescent girls in India remain in school. We along with DD will try to spread awareness in protecting these girls and help them to grow towards a better future."
Kiran K Grandhi, chairman GMR Sports said, "This initiative with UNICEF is our first step towards many more CSR initiatives to come throughout the IPL season."
Daredevils pacer Ajit Agarkar said, "It's an important cause and we are delighted to be associated with UNICEF. We will do our best to help the cause."
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