SmartCup to bring blue and white collared workers together

Dubai: SmartLife Foundation, an NGO that aims to help blue-collar workers in the UAE grow professionally and in their personal lives through their various initiatives, will be holding one of their activities – SmartCup 2013 – on April 19.

SmartCup is an annual cricket tournament that brings together white-collared and blue-collared workers from across the country to play together.

Arun Krishnan, President of SmartLife said that they started the tournament initiative “to break the segregation between the professionals and blue-collar workers. Cricket was chosen as a game where members of the team meet each other for the first time on the pitch and together work towards a single goal — to win. In a game there is no status or hesitation, there is just one spirit to give it your best and have fun with everyone”.

More than 18 teams have already registered for the SmartCup 2013 tournament, which will be held at Insportz in Dubai.

“The event has grown from nine teams in 2010 to 24 teams in 2012. This is the fourth year of the event and already more than 18 teams have registered. With the support of more corporates coming forward to register, we are positive to cross the last years number soon and we are excited and looking forward to another successful event this year” Krishnan said.

Venkatraman K., Board Member of SmartLife, said: “Unity in diversity and cohesiveness to make a difference in the life of the blue collared workers are the hallmark of various initiatives conducted by dedicated volunteers of Smartlife foundation.”

SmartLife Foundation is a non-profit, non-government organisation that was launched in 2010 and registered under Community Development Authority (CDA). It has many initiatives including SmartLife/Adopt Labourer project, Savera-Smart30- and Smart Cup.

He added that many of the workers are talented in music and dance, and those talents, he said, are showcased in the presence of celebrities in SmartIdol — one of their initiatives. “Art and craft of the blue collared workers gets attention through SmartArt Bazaars and exhibition initative,” he said.

Savera-Smart30 offers labourers free English language lessons, as well as etiquette and computer training classes. It also provides them with mentoring and trips outside the labour camps.

Previous initiatives by SmartLife, included providing Iftar meals for 4,000 labourer over the 30 days of Ramadan, collecting and donating essential goods and food at labour.

SmartLife is supported by volunteers from various fields. “My humble contribution is to spread awareness and bring in like minded people together for the cause as a volunteer.” Venkatraman said.