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The Second Innings (TSI), is a 1-year fully paid incubator program in India for passionate sportspersons with disabilities to design, launch, and operate their own adapted sports micro-enterprises (such as academies/ training centers) while working as mentor coaches guiding young children with disabilities.
The mentors having gone through a similar journey as a young CwD will be nurtured to become sports management professionals and gain employment in the sports industry, a field of their passion and expertise.
TSI aims to transform and dignify economic livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and build a movement for an ‘Equitable and Inclusive Sports Ecosystem’ by also supporting the mentors with a seed grant after the completion of the program to set up their micro-enterprise
The TSI program is currently in design phase, we aim to launch the cohort in December 2024.
Amit Kumar Saroha is a distinguished Paralympian, Arjuna Awardee and International medalist at Asian Para Games, Athletic World Championship in Athletic events – Discus and Club throw. Amit is big champion of the paralympic movement
Ekta Bhyan is an International para-athlete and has represented India in club and discus throw. She received the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2018 and the Haryana State Award
Neel Shah is an accomplished sports management professional, a life coach and currently Associate Dean of Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB), a premium sports management institute
Amit Malik is spearheading the movement of Physical Literacy in India. He is Head of Sports Social Impact Initiatives at Abhinav Bindra Foundation and works closely with leaders such as Pullela Gopichand
Arushi, a young adult with Intellectual Disabilities, is currently training at Umoya Sports to be coach mentor.
Arushi is an International and National level Basketball athlete at Special Olympics Bharat and even represented India at the Special Olympics World Games, Abu Dhabi, 2019. Unfortunately due to bullying and name-calling, she had to drop out from college and did not pursue academics. However, she wanted to pursue a career in sports as an athlete, but could not get the right opportunities.
In just six months, Arushi has embarked on a transformative journey at Umoya Sports, transcending the boundaries of her own athletic career to pave the way for others. What began as an internship quickly evolved into a passion-driven mission to empower children with Intellectual Disabilities and developmental disorders through adapted sports.
Starting with humble steps, Arushi immersed herself in shadowing Umoya’s seasoned coaches, absorbing the intricacies of coaching fundamentals. Her dedication and innate understanding soon saw her curating and planning her own sessions, tailoring activities that resonate with each child’s unique needs and abilities.
Arushi’s commitment extends beyond mere sessions; she has taken on the role of an athlete buddy, providing invaluable support and encouragement to her peers. Her impact is palpable as she nurtures a sense of belonging and confidence among her mentees, fostering a community where everyone thrives.
Now, with her eyes set firmly on the future, Arushi is determined to carve out a career as an adapted sports mentor coach. Her journey exemplifies resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of sports in enriching lives. Through her unwavering dedication and passion, Arushi is not just shaping futures; she is redefining what it means to excel beyond the field, one inspiring session at a time.
