21 September, Chennai: Today, six teams participating in the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 arrived in Chennai, India after embarking on a 1284 KM train journey on board the ‘I am Somebody Express’, which departed from Mumbai on Wednesday lunchtime.
Representing India were teams from notable NGOs: Bucket List, CHETNA, Hope Foundation, Magic Bus India Foundation, and Salaam Baalak Trust. Joining them on the symbolic journey were participants from SAFIRE, waving the flag for Team Mauritius.
As a mark of unity and identity, a 20-metre banner adorned with flags from each participating country at the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 was unfurled at CSTM station before the train departed, featuring the powerful rally cry: ‘I am Somebody.’
The journey was not a simple transportation to the event, but rather served as an emblematic journey, spotlighting the challenges thousands of India’s vulnerable children face daily. It's an advocacy drive at the heart of Street Child United’s mission: raising global awareness about the rights of street-connected children.
“The ‘I am Somebody Express’ mirrors the journeys many of India’s vulnerable children undertake, often only to find even more daunting challenges awaiting them,” remarked John Wroe, Street Child United’s co-founder and CEO. “Through this initiative, we aim to bring the world’s attention to these issues and be catalysts for positive change” he added. Present to wave-off the delegation was Nikhil Pingle, Chief Strategy & Research, Magic Bus India Foundation who commented:
“The 'I am Somebody Express' and the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 provide young people from Magic Bus India Foundation with a chance to become positive role models in their communities, giving them a strong and meaningful identity. Together, we're building a brighter future for these budding champions and the underserved children nationwide!”
Once aboard the train, the teams bonded over singing and games. Each child received their own workbook to document memorable moments of their journey. When they arrived in Chennai the following morning, the team from Karunalaya was there to welcome everyone.
The ‘I am Somebody Express’ train journey marks the opening of the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023. In partnership with the Shree Dayaa foundation, the event advocates for the rights of street-connected children worldwide. Starting this Saturday, 23rd September, 19 teams representing 13 countries will unite for a cricket tournament, festival of arts, and a General Assembly.
Street Child Cricket World Cup - www.streetchildunited.org
The Street Child Cricket World Cup in partnership with the Shree Dayaa foundation will take place in Chennai, India from the 23rd - 30th September. 19 teams representing 13 countries will come together for a World-Cup style cricket tournament, a festival of arts, and a General Assembly to advocate for the rights of street-connected children worldwide. The cricket tournament will take place at the Amir Mahal Palace with the support of Nawabzada Mohamme
For a full schedule of the event please contact: hannah@streetchildunited.org
For all media enquiries, please contact: streetchildunitedmedia@gmail.
One Million and One
One Million and One is a global campaign to secure one million and one legal identities for children living in street situations before the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted in North America. Launched by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned in Qatar following the success of the Street Child World Cup 2022, the campaign will serve as a legacy across all Street Child United events up until 2026. The learn more or to get involved scan the QR code below or contact hannah@streetchildunited.org
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