National: Decathlon Foundation, with its purpose to move people through the wonders of sport, especially by creating sporting opportunities and doing their part to expand access to sports for the many, organised a special celebration on Children’s Day, marking its 12th Foundation Day in India. This year’s Foundation Day spanned over 46 Decathlon stores across the country, filled with sports, tournaments, and activities. More than 3,800 kids from different backgrounds, including schools and NGOs, excitedly took part.
Decathlon Foundation engages with children from different NGOs to promote opportunities and development that sports can offer. Decathlon teammates who share the same sense of purpose and passion spend this day every year playing sports with these children.
Annie George, Sustainability Leader, says, “Decathlon Foundation celebrates the 1st Wednesday of June as the Foundation Day (globally) and in India. Since 2021, we decided to celebrate it during Children’s Day on the 14th of November. Foundation Day marks an important moment for Decathlon because it allows us to spread the joy and transformative qualities of sport with many children, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. The Decathlon Foundation collaborates with like-minded NGOs to empower communities and young people through sports. Currently, we provide crucial support to three organisations in India, assisting over 3,000 children and young adults each year in participating in sports such as rugby and football. We will continue to support the community through our ongoing efforts.”
The activities, which included store visits, sports competitions, fun games, and educational workshops, were thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of participants, including children with special needs, underprivileged children, and young enthusiasts who have a passion for sports.
Tresa James, the leader of the foundation project in India, shares, “The goal of the Foundation is to promote the integration of people in difficulty into their economic and social environment, particularly through training, learning or the practice of sport. Here’s to our continued journey of empowerment, collaboration, and trying to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.”
Decathlon India also works with children and youth from vulnerable communities. Their flagship project, Sport for School Children Project, a CSR initiative implemented in collaboration with Sports Village Foundation is active in 8 cities working with 15 schools and impacting 5000+ children.
