TENS of dozens of children from all over Britain and Europe gathered to showcase their talents in Leicester and London last month.
The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Children’s Forum embarked on a year-long Kidz Ultimate Challenge (KUC) event in January last year, when more than 1,000 children, aged between three and 14 took part in a variety of events held across the UK and Europe.
Last month, two grand finale events were hosted at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, on January 13 and at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London, on January 26.
Participants vied for the top honours in sports, public speaking, acting, singing and playing musical instruments.
Councillor Rashmikant Joshi and Councillor Manjula Sood joined in the celebrations in Leicester, while in London, Pujya Gnaneshwar Swami, a senior sadhu of BAPS, gave his blessings to the young participants.
Kirit Wadia, one of the coordinators, said: “The Kidz Ultimate Challenge encouraged children to enhance their talents and has inspired confidence in so many of them – something that is going to be invaluable to them throughout their lives.”
Ranjana Patel, a parent, said, “The KUC brought us closer together as a family. I am really proud of my children – through the KUC they have not only strengthened their spirituality, but are also more confident.”
Road -shows are being organised to provide an opportunity for many more children to demonstrate their talents at towns and cities across the country.