The International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its Olympism365 Innovation Hub initiative, announced a new round of grants totalling USD 470,000 to support 21 grassroots projects and social enterprises that use sport as a tool for sustainable development. These initiatives, selected in partnership with Beyond Sport and Women Win, aim to address social issues, promote gender equity and foster sustainability at the community level.

Of the selected projects, 12 are part of the Grassroots365 programme, which focuses on supporting local innovations that promote sport as a driver of social change. In addition, nine social enterprises will receive funding through the Enterprise365 grants, aimed at promoting sustainable business models that reinvest their profits in sport initiatives.

SPORTS PROJECTS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Grassroots365 initiatives include the work of Watoto Wasoka in Uganda, which combines football training with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) education. This project teaches children essential health habits through play-based learning. “With this funding we will be able to expand our reach and increase hygiene practices among young people in marginalised communities,” explained Francis Mugoya, executive director of Watoto Wasoka.

In Brazil, the Amazon Women’s Sports Association is transforming mountain biking by empowering women as sports leaders in the Amazon region. Through the organisation of local events and the formation of teams, the project challenges gender stereotypes and fosters leadership skills. According to Gabriela Bianchi dos Santos, “we want to learn from other global initiatives and improve our capacities to inspire more women to participate in sport”.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: SPORT AND SUSTAINABILITY

The Enterprise365 programme includes initiatives such as Tanjun Associate LLP in India, which manufactures sustainable bamboo table tennis tables and donates them to rural schools. This project aims not only to promote the circular economy, but also to train women in the creation of sustainable sports teams. “This opportunity will allow us to combine climate solutions with sports participation,” said representatives.

In Kenya, Alive and Kicking addresses the lack of accessible sports balls, especially for marginalised communities. With the grant, they will expand the production of adapted balls for the visually impaired, as well as train educators to deliver inclusive sports such as goalball and blind football. “Our goal is to create a more equitable environment for visually impaired youth through sport,” said its director.

SUSTAINABLE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The Olympism365 Innovation Hub has structured its grants into two categories:

• Seed funding: Start-up support for newly registered companies (less than two years old).
• Scale funding: Funding for expansion and improvement of established initiatives (more than two years).

In addition to financial support, the hub seeks to build a global network of social entrepreneurs working on sports projects for sustainable development, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

GLOBAL VISION: TOWARDS 50 PROJECTS BY 2026

The Olympism365 Innovation Hub aims to support 50 innovative projects by 2026 through a multi-million dollar investment that will benefit thousands of people around the world. This initiative reflects the IOC’s commitment to using sport as a tool to address social challenges and promote equity, inclusion and sustainability.

With projects like these, sport is not just a physical activity, but a transformative force capable of changing lives, empowering communities and building a more equitable and sustainable future for all.