Our Champion at Greater Chennai Corporation School.
The Greater Chennai Corporation graciously granted permission to the Trust to extend the Champions Talks series to schools under its management. After reviewing the impact and effectiveness of previous sessions, the Corporation recognized the value of these talks and their potential benefits for its students. As part of a pilot initiative, the Trust was provided with a list of ten schools where the Champions Talks sessions were to be conducted.
The first Champions Talk program under this initiative was held at The Chennai Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Nungambakkam, on Friday, 24th October 2025.
Mr. Thangaraj, recipient of the Champion of Chennai – Social Initiative (2013) award, addressed students of Classes 9 and 11 in separate sessions. Through an inspiring narrative of his personal journey, he shared how he has been empowering underprivileged boys and girls from Vysarpadi by connecting them to sports through education.
He spoke passionately about the STEDS movement—his own initiative—which has created multiple career pathways for the young people he has mentored. The students were particularly inspired to learn that he guided and accompanied an all-girls football team to Sweden, comprising students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom had never even imagined travelling by airplane.
Mr. Thangaraj emphasized the importance of education as a strong foundation for any pursuit, including sports. He concluded his talk with a heartfelt message on self-belief and confidence, underscoring that these qualities are the most powerful driving forces for achieving one’s dreams and attaining success.
