World Vision Lanka: NZ under-85s delivers a winning assist to youth and children in the North

The New Zealand Under-85s donated their sports equipment to Every Mind Matters—an initiative by World Vision Lanka aimed at uplifting the mental well-being of children in North, Sri Lanka, through sports.
Together with former All Blacks Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Graham Henry, the New Zealand Under-85s gathered at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, to hand over their sports gear collected after concluding the Sir Graham Henry Cup tournament against Sri Lankan Tuskers. The donated equipment will be distributed to children and youth in school sports teams and sports clubs in the North, where access to proper training, nutrition, and gear is limited due to their marginalized circumstances.
Every Mind Matters initiative seeks to raise funds to provide professional coaching, sports equipment, and skill-building opportunities for children and youth. Through these efforts, World Vision Lanka aims to build confidence, improve academic performance, and offer a renewed outlook on life for these young individuals.
Endorsing the initiative, Dr. N. Saravanabavan, Regional Director of Health Services, stated that sports serve as a powerful medium to release endorphins, reduce anxiety and depression, foster a sense of community, and help combat the rising psychological challenges faced by adolescents in the North. She added that sports offer children a healthy outlet for their energy while promoting emotional well-being.
Moreover, Danu Innasithamby shared his contentment in facilitating this contribution as a fundraising partner for Every Mind Matters. He said, “I’m happy that I was in the right place, at the right time, having the right conversation. But I believe this is just the beginning—we have so much more to do.”
“I want to see these youth and children in the North wearing those signature jerseys—going out there, winning, and proving that obstacles are just another way to triumph,” he added.
Sharing his thoughts on the impact of the contribution, Stanlake Kaziboni, the Director of International Resource Development & Management and National Resource Development of World Vision Lanka, said, “the campaign that we’re doing is extremely important. This donation from the All Blacks will surely go a long way. It will naturally transform children in these communities to start playing the sport.”
“We really appreciate Danu, the High Commissioner of New Zealand, and the New Zealand team for their generosity. It brought a lot of joy to us, and we would like to transfer this joy to the communities that we work with.” Stanlake said, appreciating the effort behind the generous contribution.