Auckland Grammar Show The Way In Kolkata

Through Trial to Triumphby Paul WalshWe were lucky to have the chance to host 22 boys from Auckland Grammar School in Kolkata last week and what marvellous Ambassador's they have proven to be for their school and New Zealand. While they may have been knocked a little sideways by our city we were delighted to be knocked out by their attitude. It's not often you get to meet 22 young men who are ready to take on and try pretty much anything, even when it leaves them throwing up in a gutter!On Saturday we packed into cars and headed to Brooklyn a rarely visited spot in the heart of Kolkata's sprawling dock area. The Brooklyn community has long been abandoned by any mainstream support and is left to get on with life with virtually no resources, including a lack of electricity and running water. I suppose this is why we like it so much, we know that what we do with the children of Brooklyn makes them smile, gives them some encouragement and can make a little difference to their lives.The boys of Auckland Grammar took on Brooklyn in cricket and we're delighted to say lost both matches, but as usual when young people meet through a common activity everyone was a winner and lots of new friends were made. Will and Tim agreed to write about their experience with Brooklyn and their blogs are below.Will Allen writes.....We had an amazing time out at Brooklyn today with the Jungle Crows taking us out to visit the people with which they work with and teach rugby to twice a week. With such a warm welcome by everyone there and after a few good games of cricket, both of which we lost even with the help of some of the Crows, we were then shown around some of the homes and the community hall. It really blew us all away how positive and lively all these people were, the smiles they had on their faces and how welcoming they were to us. Khelo Rugby has definitely made such a huge impact on this community, through their constant involvement each week teaching the kids how to play rugby and helping out wherever they can around the area. I'm sure I'm speaking for all the boys when I say how thankful we are for the Jungle Crows spending the past few days with us and showing us their city, and showing how much of an impact a simple game like rugby can have on people's lifestyles and attitude.Tim Burns writes.....Today we had an awesome experience visiting Brooklyn. Some of us managed to excel on the cricket pitch and meet some cool new people; I even managed to pick up my first ever international golden duck. Although we ended up losing by a mere 3 runs, the elated spirit was enjoyed by all throughout the match. We were guided by the Jungle Crows who ended up being the stand out players in our team and the best possible people to have around. Visiting Brooklyn twice a week providing a channel for energy through organised sports through Khelo Rugby, their inherent experience with their locals was apparent with their clear communication and leadership especially through men such as Zaffir. It was a pleasure and a privilege to spend the afternoon again with the Jungle Crows with whom we have formed a solid bond, obviously along with the people of Brooklyn who were the most friendly and enthusiastic people you will ever meet. Awesome stuff Khelo Rugby - a Kolkata experience not to be forgotten.All the boys are blogging every step of the way across India over the next 4 weeks and you can follow their exploits here.We hope Kolkata through the eyes of the Jungle Crows was worthwhile to the boys. I'd especially like to thank Ben, Rachel and Shane for all their tremendous support in making the experience possible for all of us.