[edit] FutureTech Vibha Cricket Cup 2011 – Yet another story worth telling!

- Vibha Atlanta Team

Businesses rise and crash too easily. Sustenance is usually a demon, and in this economy, an unforgiving one. So, it beats me how a fund-raising organization like Vibha, running on passion, selflessness, and generosity, not only endures tough times, but continues to churn out one quality activity after another.

The 2011 FutureTech Vibha Cricket Cup tournament, inaugurated by former Ranji player and editor of Cricket Magazine, Abdul Qayyum, was no less. It was played to raise funds mainly for the Pune-based Door Step Schools project whose motto, "If the children are not coming to school, lets take the school to the doorsteps of children," reflects the easy magnanimity one associates with Vibha. Also, in an effort to support the local community, some of the proceeds were allocated to fund Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Being the pioneer of tennis ball cricket in Atlanta, Vibha has converted cricket tournament organization into a veritable Standard Operating Procedure. Their past 12 tournaments have been trend-setters, and their 13th this year was another 400-player blockbuster. Apart from the usual deluge of teams, clamor of cheerleading families, sun-drenched grounds, colorful banners, spicy food, and explosion of appeals and hurrahs, there were two things different: first, the venue; from the Vibha-synonymous turf fields of Georgia Tech, the scene shifted to the baseball grounds at East Roswell Park. Second, all the games were played on matted tracks. These changes added new attributes to an already successful format: a more relaxed, kid-friendly, carnival-style setting for families who appreciated the extra space and many shady, heat-beating spots, and batting wickets that allowed even bounce and pitch-free contests. From an organizational standpoint, this was a home-run, having cut hosting costs by 50%, which meant more smiles among needy children back home.

This year, Baddam Srinivas and Rama Ryali were the Coordinators, while Vrushali Desai took charge of creating the carnival atmosphere. Aiding them were scores of volunteers who worked both behind the scenes, and inside the cauldrons. Rama is glad to be a part of an organization which, he says, “strives for the betterment of the society.” So is Baddam, who feels Vibha organizers combine their “passion for the game, and the desire to better many young lives in India.” Such words echo strong sentiments that continue to bring new people willing to reset their priorities and donate their precious time.

After four months of organizational groundwork, and three grueling days of cricket, the Paramount Georgia Tigers lifted the Cup, beating FutureTech in the finals. Sravan, CEO of FutureTech (title sponsors) and Pramod Sajja of Paramount technologies gave away the trophies. "Vibha is committed to effective giving," said Pramod."The enthusiasm of their members and volunteers is boundless."

As talented teams fought their way to the center of the competitive draw, cricketing magic peppered the tournament with incredible hat-tricks, ruthless last-over assaults, inevitable bantering, heartbreaks and miracles, magic that propelled yet another Vibha tournament into a success story. Success that will rewrite many a chapter in the lives of children who can breathe easier in the knowledge that someone cares.