RCP Tilak Road Empowers 145 Young Athletes at Mega Sports RYLA
In a powerful demonstration of youth empowerment and vocational service, the Rotary Club of Pune Tilak Road successfully conducted a one-day Sports RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) at Millennium School, Karvenagar. The event brought together 145 student-athletes and 18 physical education teachers from 14 schools, with a clear objective of bridging the gap between athletic talent and professional leadership.
The event was inaugurated by Padmashree awardee Ms. Shital Mahajan, whose trailblazing journey in extreme sports set an inspiring tone for the day. Her address, complemented by a video showcasing her career milestones, highlighted the discipline, perseverance, and mental strength required to excel at the highest levels. Her presence served as a powerful reminder of what young minds can achieve with grit and determination.
The RYLA curriculum was thoughtfully designed to address the holistic development of modern athletes. The intensive sessions focused on:
- Resilience Training: Building physical and mental strength to perform under pressure
- Vocational Pathways: Exploring diverse career opportunities within the sports ecosystem
- Leadership Integration: Translating athletic skills into life and professional success
The sessions were led by an esteemed panel of experts, including Prof. Kumar Upadhyay, Mr. Siddharth Deshmukh, Mrs. Gandhali Bapat-Sidhaye, Mr. Mohit Deshpande, and Mrs. Pallavi Chiplakatti, who shared valuable insights and practical guidance.
The initiative was spearheaded by Club President Rtn. Devdatta Hambardikar, Secretary PP Rtn. Aparna Kshirsagar, and Program Coordinator Rtn. Swati Patil. Their vision was strengthened by the generous support of sponsors Maestrotech Innovations, Adisoft Technologies, Powercare Energy Solutions, and Shri Jawaharlal Dugad.
Now in its second consecutive year, this flagship initiative of RCP Tilak Road continues to reflect Rotary’s unwavering commitment to youth development—ensuring that the athletes of today evolve into the ethical leaders of tomorrow.
