AMERICAN SPIRT. People often ask what the American spirit is. The answer lies in the response of people during extreme hardships and challenging situations. Just a few weeks back, Americans in CA had a very, very bad series of wildfires that damaged many homes in that part of the country. The First Responders, these heroes, firefighters, police, and others braved the flames to save people, and the regular citizens on the road jumped in to help. Bus drivers took their city buses into the fire area and rescued people.

Once, a wise person was asked, “Where is God during extreme hardships? Well, believe in God or not, He is in the people’s helping hands.

Evenings like today put life in perspective and open one’s eyes and mind to its harsh realities. Such occasions also display the strong bonds humans build when discharging their social responsibilities. Masters Cricket USA was conceived and formed about four years ago with the sole objective of providing a platform for aging sportsmen to extend their playing days and, in the process, adopt a healthier lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

As the institution grew, the leadership considered what else could be done in addition to meeting the primary objective of extending a player’s on-field shelf life. Social responsibility towards the community was one aspect MCUSA leadership closely examined, and the idea was well received by all 3000 members of the growing institution.

MCUSA players participate in tournaments held worldwide in age groups of 40, 50, and 60. While participating in these events, MCUSA management perceived an excellent opportunity to undertake and promote social causes and, for the past 2 years, has been actively promoting charitable causes. On the recent tour to India, when a team of over 60 participated in the World Cup, MCUSA players and management visited an orphanage and a home for the aged to distribute clothes and other personal items. Similarly, when the MCUSA was in Cape Town, cricket gear was provided to children in certain school districts.

This time around, when the over-50s were participating in the World Cup hosted in Sri Lanka, MCUSA reached out to Suwa Arna to extend a hand and donate $10,000. Very graciously, the Suwa Arna management accepted the offer, and a formal event was organized on February 5th to hand over the check.

Suwa Arana – A Place for Healing is The First Pediatric Palliative Care Centre in Sri Lanka. Madam Ambassador Julie Chung, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, was the event’s chief guest. Ambassador Chung was very appreciative of MCUSA’s extending their hands towards a social cause and spoke of the American spirit, which stands tall in an hour of need. Steven Walter, Public Diplomacy Officer from the US embassy, was also present at the event.

Shahnawaz, one of the Executive members of MCUSA, spoke and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided to MCUSA to discharge their social responsibility. Various key administrators of Suwa Arana spoke and highlighted how Suwa Arna came into being and how uniquely the patients and caregivers are treated.

My mind went back to the call Parak Ananta, the founder of MCUSA, made on our social media platform to seek contributions from members for a good cause. In less than 24 hours, the Masters Cricket USA family stood as a unit and contributed $10,000. Twenty of us, representing thousands of our MCUSA family, were present at the event when the check was handed over. The smiles on the children’s faces were worth every cent you’ll spared for this noble cause.

This evening showed me that MCUSA is much more than just cricket. Yes, we all got together to pursue our passion and love, but along the way, we also learned to respect life and to take joy in sharing and giving.

Today, the over-50s team plays their Indian counterpart in a practice game, which is treated for all practical purposes as an ODI. The preparation for the World Cup games will start in earnest. From what I see, the USA team is in great spirits and shape, and the leadership is doing a fabulous job. I wish the team a great time ahead.

Getting back to an impactful evening was feasible only thanks to the wholehearted contributions from so many of our MCUSA family.