Nike, a global sports powerhouse, believes in the transformative power of sports to propel the world toward positive change. Accordingly, the brand announced its collaboration with the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) on September 06, 2023. Their shared mission? To empower displaced athletes and instill in them a sense of community and belonging.
However, their partnership isn’t just about sport; it’s about breaking barriers. Together, they aim to offer more inclusive sports environments that not only boost confidence but also enhance overall mental health. Additionally, a significant part of this initiative will revolve around the ORF’s Terrains d’Avenir program based in Paris, focusing especially on aiding women and girls.
Bridging the Gap for Displaced Communities
Nike’s dedication to making sports more inclusive and equitable stems from a core belief. They see sport as a powerful tool to uplift those who face significant hurdles, particularly the displaced community members. Moreover, with the partnership, Nike will provide trauma-informed coaching resources and hire individuals with firsthand displacement experiences to enrich the collaboration.
Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Nike’s Chief Social & Community Impact Officer, expressed the brand’s commitment, stating, “Globally, girls face complex cultural and social barriers and, as a result, are moving the least. Our support of the Olympic Refuge Foundation aims to change that for displaced girls in Paris. With a shared belief that all kids should have access to play, we’re determined to eradicate these barriers.”
Support Beyond Playgrounds with the Olympic Refuge Foundation
While fostering community through sport remains central, the partnership extends beyond play. In addition to creating safe sports spaces, Nike will be outfitting the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. They will also back the Refugee Athlete Scholarship Program overseen by the ORF. Presently, this program supports 63 refugee athletes globally, spanning 13 different sports.
Through their collective efforts, both Nike and the ORF hope to level the playing field for displaced athletes, envisioning a brighter, inclusive future for all.
Xylo News 