Wankhede Stadium to Turn Blue for #BeAChampion Campaign
On November 2, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will be bathed in blue during the India vs Sri Lanka match. This is part of the #BeAChampion campaign, an initiative leveraging the popularity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to foster a better world for all children and promote gender equality.
LED Wristbands and Blue Light Show to Enhance Fan Experience
Attendees of the sold-out match will receive LED wristbands that will synchronize with a stadium-wide blue light show during the second innings. Indian and Sri Lankan players, along with cricket legends and UNICEF and ICC Ambassadors Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, will endorse the ‘One Day 4 Children’ message.
Cricket Legends Champion Equality for Children
“Every international cricketer, including myself, started as a child with a dream,” Tendulkar stated in anticipation of the event. “I am excited to join forces with UNICEF to witness my home ground at the Wankhede Stadium turn blue as we advocate for children’s equality worldwide.”
ICC Cricket 4 Good Strategy and Criiio 4 Good Launch
The ‘One Day 4 Children’ match is a component of the broader ICC Cricket 4 Good strategy. It follows the introduction of Criiio 4 Good, an innovative online life skills learning initiative developed by the ICC, UNICEF, and BCCI. This initiative aims to foster gender equity among girls and boys, with eight learning modules available for free at criiio.com/criiio4good. The Indian Ministry of Education plans to promote the program to over 1.5 million schools.
Global Broadcast Partner Star Sports to Amplify Reach
ICC and Global Broadcast Partner Star Sports will ensure the ‘One Day 4 Children’ experience reaches television audiences worldwide. Various ICC Commercial Partners are also supporting the event with in-match donations. Funds raised throughout the campaign will bolster UNICEF’s work for children.
BCCI’s Jay Shah on Turning the Wankhede Blue
“The Wankhede Stadium glowing blue is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a symbol of our collective efforts to support and nurture children and help them pursue their dreams,” said Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI. “I firmly believe that this World Cup is a wonderful platform and an opportunity for us to create a legacy of hope, equality, and opportunity for every child.”
ICC, UNICEF, and World Cup Teams Host Clinics in Host Cities
Additionally, the ICC, UNICEF, and all 10 teams at the Cricket World Cup are hosting clinics in each host city. Hundreds of children from UNICEF programs will have the opportunity to play cricket alongside their heroes.
Supporting UNICEF’s Work for Children
Fans wishing to support UNICEF’s work for children can visit help.unicef.org. Donations start from as little as US$2.