India CSR News Network
MUMBAI: Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd (IBHFL), the country’s second largest housing finance company has, along with the decision to title sponsor the Vasai-Virar Mayor’s Marathon(VVMM), announced its intention to support budding athletes to further enhance and better their development.
The company will select up to three promising runners at the VVMM and provide them with best in class training facilities for a period of five years. The aim is to recognize deserving athletes who under normal circumstances will not get the chance to avail the benefits of proper training facilities, nutritional requirements and opportunities, and accompany them in their journey to achieve sporting excellence.
A country with immense potential, Indiabulls Housing Finance believes that with proper training and support, athletes can compete at the highest level internationally and not be hindered by the lack of support back home. This initiative is not new for Indiabulls, its charitable arm – The Indiabulls Foundation already having a Sports Excellence Program in place.
The foundation has already backed athletes like Bhakti Ajit Ambre (Powerlifting), Ravi Dixit (Squash) and Rohan Sonavane (Badminton) who have shone in both national and international stages. The experience of already supporting athletes and helping them achieve greater heights places Indiabulls Housing Finance perfectly to further help more deserving athletes realise their dreams.
Excited at the opportunity to help fellow runners, Gagan Banga, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited said, “As corporates, we too can take the initiative and make a difference to the world of sport by not only providing monetary benefits, but also supporting & creating platforms to develop & nurture deserving sportsmen. Through this platform Indiabulls Housing Finance commits to identify deserving underprivileged athletes, and further help them pursue the sport more seriously.”
Associating with marathons is a fast growing trend that companies like Standard Chartered, TCS, Airtel, PNB Metlife amongst many others have embraced. Companies across the world are increasingly going beyond merely lending their names to events as marketing initiatives and are getting more and more involved in enriching these experiences.
Speaking on the impact he hopes to make, Mr. Bangaadded, “The Vasai-Virar Marathon promises to be a grand run blessed with enthusiasm from a great group of runners, proven pedigree and a united thought to propagate Indian runners. We look forward to high spirits and a fantastic race, come December.”
The emphasis on general health and fitness starts right at the top at Indiabulls Housing Finance and flows through the DNA of the entire company. Apart from encouraging all employees to participate in marathons and sponsoring opportunities to participate in all such events, employees have a round the year fitness drive called the “Get Fit Go – Commit to be FIT”. Last year, in its second edition, more than 3500 employees participated in health assessments, regular contests on most steps taken in a month, healthiest diets followed, etc.. Prizes like gym memberships, holiday packages, discount vouchers were given away to keep people motivated.
IBHFL is India’s 2nd largest Housing Finance Company by profits and networth in the private sector. IBHFL has a balance sheet size of Rs. 82,069.2 crore with over 5,600 employees. It provides quick, convenient and competitively priced home loans in the affordable housing segment. IBHFL enjoys a AAA long-term rating.
