Empowering Youth Through Sport: Futures in Motion Japan Grants Announced
In a heartening move towards harnessing the transformative power of sports, New Balance Foundation and Beyond Sport have announced the Japanese recipients of their international Futures in Motion program. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering positive youth development through sport, offering a beacon of hope for many underserved communities.
A Boost for Community Initiatives
The grants were awarded to three commendable organizations: Chance for All, Knocku, and Yamato Sylphid. Together, they will share approximately YEN 42,648,800 (USD 300,000) over the next three years. This funding aims to strengthen their programs promoting youth well-being, diversity, education, and career development through inclusive sports and physical activities. According to WebWire, this financial support is tailored to aid these organizations not only in program execution but also in enhancing their organizational sustainability.
Championing Inclusive Sports
Chance for All stands as a testament to the power of play, offering after-school programs led by university students designed to cultivate children’s motor skills, social competence, and physical abilities. Their innovative Play Cars initiative, growing with this grant, seeks to provide mobile play spaces, especially for urban and low-income communities, even serving as recreational refuges during natural disasters.
Knocku is an emerging force in community sports, aiming to bridge the gap between youth with and without disabilities. Their inclusive community handball club offers a nurturing ground for personal goals and independence for youth with physical challenges. This initiative serves as a testament to sport’s ability to break barriers and foster understanding.
Pioneering Gender Equity in Sports
Yamato Sylphid, the nonprofit branch of a women’s football club, empowers young girls through its Girls in Motion program. By involving club players as role models and facilitators, they aim to build self-esteem and leadership in elementary-aged children, breaking traditional gender roles and expectations.
Beyond Support: A New Vision
The announcement echoes the sentiments of empowerment voiced by Megan Bloch, Director of Global Philanthropy at New Balance Foundation, and Fred Fikouhi-Turner, Executive Director of Beyond Sport. Through Futures in Motion, the mission is to expand into seven locations by 2027, addressing local cultural needs and strengthening community resilience through sport.
Both organizations, with a history of impactful grantmaking, have illustrated sport’s potential to inspire change and extend opportunities where they’re most needed. This partnership paints a future where every young individual, irrespective of their background, can find a place on the field.
For further details on this inspirational initiative, visit beyondsport.org/futures-in-motion.
