Bengaluru, November 18, 2024– In honour of World Prematurity Day, the Neonates Foundation of India (NFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and access to quality neonatal care to underprivileged families, has joined hands with South United Football Club (SUFC), Bengaluru to host a football tournament. The tournament titled ‘Goal for Good Cup’ witnessed 78 children aged under 7 and under 9 who participated to support the cause of newborn care.
Through this tournament, NFI and SUFC aim to raise awareness and funds for quality neonatal care for premature and critically ill newborns from low-income households. DTSS, Manipal Hospitals, Tata Soulfull and Peak Performance supported the tournament.
Suma Jairam, Spokesperson from Neonates Foundation of India said, “At Neonates Foundation of India, we are deeply committed to making neonatal care accessible to families from the low-income section. World Prematurity Day is a powerful reminder of the challenges premature infants face, and this collaboration with South United Football Club is a heartfelt initiative to bring our community together for these newborns. We are incredibly thankful to our brand partners, and parents of the participants, for their support.”
SUFC, a Bangalore-based club focused on building a sustainable sporting ecosystem, views this tournament as an opportunity to inspire young players and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Prerana Dhawan, CMO and COO at South United Football Club said, “On this World Prematurity Day, we are excited to partner with NFI to teach our young athletes the value of teamwork both on the field and in service to society. It’s indeed heartening to see the enthusiasm and empathy displayed by the children and parents alike. We are hopeful that the ‘Goal for Good Cup’ will make a positive impact by raising awareness about neonatal care and highlighting the importance of preventive measures to reduce neonatal mortality. Through the power of sports, we aim to drive change and promote a healthier future for newborns.”
Premature births pose a significant challenge in Karnataka, where timely access to neonatal intensive care (NICU) is crucial for survival. In 2020, Karnataka’s neonatal mortality rate stood at a concerning 14 per 1,000 live births, highlighting the urgent need for improved care. The Neonatal Foundation of India (NFI), through its network of 31 partner hospitals nationwide, has already provided life-saving NICU support to over 100 infants requiring intensive treatment. Neonatal mortality is a national crisis, but with the collective support of individuals and organizations, we can dramatically reduce these tragic losses. Saving a newborn is not just saving a life; it’s securing a future generation.
