Chevrolet Reveals New Pitch in India, Bringing Play to Local Community

As part of continued commitment to demonstrate that where there’s play, there’s beautiful possibilities, Chevrolet rebuilds school’s football pitch

Transformed pitch at Rebecca Belilious English Institution creates safe place for children to play and encourages kids to stay in school

KOLKATA, INDIA -- May 11, 2015: Chevrolet today revealed the Rebecca Belilious Sports Ground, a revitalized soccer pitch that is part of Chevrolet’s continued commitment to demonstrate that where there’s play, there’s beautiful possibilities.

The outdoor pitch – located at the Rebecca Belilious English Institution in Tikiapara, Howrah – will serve as a safe place for the community and encourage local children to stay in school. The pitch will also be used as a venue for local events and sports matches.

“The previous pitch was nothing but an open space covered in mud. The children of Tikiapara had no option but to play on it, despite its previous condition,” said P. Balendran, vice president, GM India. “Chevrolet saw a place that could be completely rebuilt to allow the students to turn their lives around, encourage them to stay in school and unlock the potential for their future.”

As part of the event, Manchester United Legend Mikael Silvestre was on site for the pitch opening ceremony. Silvestre shared personal insights about his journey on and off the field and how play has served a key role throughout his life.

The football pitch was revitalized for Slum Soccer, an organization that uses football to transcend race, religion, language and gender to help bring about a change in the lives of street dwellers.

“With this pitch, we will be reaching out to the most under-served children and youth of Kolkata," said Dr. Abhijeet Barse, CEO of Slum Soccer. “Throughout the years, we have seen the impact and positive change football and play can make on a child and know our partnership with Chevrolet will bring new possibilities to the Tikiapara community.”

In advance of today’s ceremony, Chevrolet and Coaches Across Continents (CAC) created a tailored program for local football coaches to learn more how the sport can be used to address life’s many challenges both on and off the pitch. The CAC staffers who trained these new coaches will stay involved in the community by providing ongoing remote support with curriculum tailored to suit the local area.

Chevrolet also donated One World Futbols to the Rebecca Belilious English Institution. Chevrolet is the founding sponsor of One World Play Project, creator of the ultra-durable One World Futbol, which can withstand the most rugged conditions – never needing a pump or going flat, even when punctured. As a part of a three-year partnership with One World Play Project, Chevrolet has pledged to support the donation and distribution of 1.5 million Chevrolet-branded One World Futbols to youth in war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas, and other underprivileged communities around the world.

Together, Chevrolet and One World Play Project have delivered more than 28,000 of the ultra-durable footballs across India. The donations have supported initiatives that highlight awareness and focus on health and wellness, community building, gender equality, HIV/AIDS, education and conflict resolution. In April, the companies also provided footballs to Government School in Navlakh Umbre as a part of a larger Chevrolet ‘Day of Play’ global initiative that brings positive changes in nearby communities.

Together the companies have so far delivered more than 1.3 million One World Futbols around the world – bringing the possibilities of play to an estimated 35 million youth in more than 75 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Through similar pitch revitalizations, Chevrolet brought play to Bangkok (Thailand) in April and Bandung (Indonesia), Chicago (USA)and Hammanskraal (South Africa) in 2014. The global automotive brand is planning several additional announcements and fan engagements around the world this year as part of its Manchester United sponsorship and One World Play Project partnership.