Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, is a multi-talented individual. An Indian representative at
the International Olympic Committee (IOC), she aims to integrate sports into the lives of millions of Indians.
Nita Ambani is also the person behind the popular Indian Super League
(ISL). It is a football league that intends to popularize the sport across India and create a unique platform for young
talent. Presently in its third edition, the Hero ISL also has a grassroots initiative. Aimed at inculcating the spirit of
the sport across rural towns and villages in India, the grassroots program touched the lives of more than half a million
children in its first run itself.
Through her work in the foundation, Nita Ambani continues to spearhead projects that emphasize the role played by sports
in the growth of the youth, enabling them to develop their leadership skills.
The Vatican Conference
A conference was held in the Vatican by the IOC and the United Nations (UN). It was hosted by Thomas Bach, President of
the IOC, Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, and Pope Francis. Nita Ambani was the Indian representative at this event,
which witnessed the participation of more than 150 world leaders.
The main focus of this conference was on the role played by sport and faith, which if combined would have a greater
impact on individuals belonging to different countries and walks of life.
Nita Ambani’s speech
Nita Ambani spoke about sports and humanity at this event. She explained how the field of sports is a medium of change
which can help society overcome its differences and unite for a shared cause. Citing numerous case studies from Reliance
Foundation’s (RF) youth engagement drives, she explained how sports can help transform the lives of people by
creating new opportunities which were previously unavailable. She emphasized on sports, stating that they have the
potential to help communities, countries, and consequently, the entire world.
The power of sports
Nita Ambani thanked the organizers for allowing her to speak at the ‘Sport at the Service of Humanity’
conference. She reinstated how sport is capable of fostering relations between people belonging to different religions,
regions, and backgrounds.
Nita Ambani, explained how witnessing people belonging
to varied ages and groups coming together to support individual players or a team is magical. She explained how sport has
the unique power of creating avenues, allowing communities to cast aside their differences and come together. She said that
the conference opened up her mind to newer ideas that she hopes to implement in the near future.
Summary
The ‘Sport at the Service of Humanity’ Conference held in Vatican City witnessed Nita Ambani speak about the
role played by sports in the overall development of individuals belonging to different communities in India and the
world.