Physical education teacher Jayalakshmi Baboo had a penchant for basketball and this was her core specialty as sports trainer during her 20-year tenure at Nirmala College for Women. Throughout her term, she made sure that students from economically weak backgrounds, with talent in sports, got scholarships and fees waivers from the college.

There were times when she would pack a healthy meal for the athletes only to ensure that they ate well. Jayalakshmi, along with her husband, also sponsored footwear and jerseys for students who could not afford them.

Jayalakshmi breathed her last in 2009.

Her husband Baboo Vivek, a retired bank officer who supported her philanthropy work, decided to continue his late wife’s good deeds. In 2009, Jayalakshmi Sports Academy (JASA) was born. Since then its founder Baboo Vivek has been tirelessly conducting various activities of the trust. In the bargain he is promoting basketball in a cricket-crazy nation.

“About two years ago we started the All India Inter College Basketball Tournament for Women. We invite teams from all over the country to participate in the basketball tournament. The trust sponsors all the expenses of the participating teams. We provide each of the teams with boarding and lodging. We also provide them with to- and fro- train fare,” Baboo says.

The annual tournament is organized by Jayalakshmi Sports Academy (JASA) in the month of February. Currently Baboo spends a good amount of his time coaching the all women’s basketball team of PSG College of Arts and Science. “With the support of director of physical education, Dr. B. Naveenathan, I’m thankful that I’m able to motivate and support many talented women to reach greater heights in achieving something in basketball.” Baboo says.

Jayalakshmi Sports Academy (JASA) is open to support in form of cash or kind from those who are interested in contributing. Baboo Vivek can be contacted at +91 9894331698.
Photos: JASA 2015