Leveling the Playing Field: Snaitech Foundation Champions Sport’s Power for Good
Sport has the remarkable ability to unite,inspire,and push boundaries. Recognizing this potential, the Snaitech Foundation, a non-profit association dedicated to social solidarity, leverages sport as a catalyst for positive change.
The Foundation focuses on tangible projects that directly impact communities,especially those serving disadvantaged youth. A prime example is their support of the “Let’s Build the Future” award, an initiative recognizing sports associations dedicated to children and young people.In 2024, the Snaitech Foundation was the main partner, awarding a special recognition to “Insuperabili,” an association promoting football for individuals with motor, cognitive, intellectual, and relational disabilities.
“Insuperabili” embodies the values we hold dear,” says Fabio Schiavolin,Vice President of the Foundation and CEO of Snaitech. “Their passionate commitment to making sport inclusive and empowering is truly inspiring.”
The “Let’s Build the Future” ceremony, held last October, celebrated 70 deserving associations, awarding a total of €140,000 in funding.
However,the Foundation acknowledges that sport can also be vulnerable to exploitation. To address this, they partnered with la Sapienza university of Rome and ChangeTheGame, an organization combating emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in sport. This collaboration resulted in the first psychological support desk specifically for athletes who have experienced violence and abuse.
This initiative is crucial, as statistics reveal that four out of ten athletes in Italy suffer some form of violence, ofen leading to psychophysical problems, withdrawal from sport, and isolation. the desk, operating within La Sapienza’s psychology department, offers free consultations with qualified professionals, aiming to ensure every athlete feels valued, protected, and supported.
The Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond addressing abuse. They joined the “Sport for Inclusion Network,” an initiative promoting social inclusion through sports. This partnership will expand the Foundation’s reach and impact by connecting with other organizations dedicated to similar goals.
Collaboration is key, as demonstrated by the Foundation’s partnership with the Milan and Costruiamo il Futuro foundations to build a football field in Milan’s Baggio district. Completed in under 150 days, the synthetic field, equipped with a safety fence, provides a safe and welcoming space for children and youth in the area.”This project was a true team effort,” says schiavolin. ”It allowed us to give back to the community by creating a space where young people can grow, have fun, and connect.”
The Foundation’s dedication to sport extends beyond football. They participated in the “All Star Game Junior Lombardia,” an event celebrating young baseball talent, and have been long-time collaborators with Special Olympics Italia, the leading international sports movement for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
One notable campaign promotes mixed-ability teams, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train together, learn from each other, and compete as a unified force. This initiative, aptly named “#playunified,” exemplifies the foundation’s belief that playing together is a victory in itself.
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This article highlights the incredible work of the Snaitech Foundation,showcasing how sport can be a powerful tool for social change.
It’s fantastic to see an association utilizing sports’ unifying and inspiring nature to positively impact communities, particularly those serving disadvantaged youth.
The “Let’s Build the Future” award is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting grassroots initiatives that use sport to empower young people.
This article raises several thought-provoking points worthy of discussion:
The Power of Sport:
We’ve all witnessed how sport can transcend cultural and social barriers, uniting people from all walks of life.
How can we further leverage this power to address social issues?
Impact on Youth:
Investing in sports for disadvantaged youth can provide numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, increased educational attainment, and enhanced social skills.
What specific programs and initiatives have proven most successful in achieving these outcomes?
* role of Foundations:
The Snaitech Foundation’s approach demonstrates the vital role that philanthropic organizations play in supporting community-based sports programs.
How can we encourage more foundations to prioritize sport as a vehicle for social good?
I encourage everyone to learn more about the Snaitech Foundation and their inspiring work.
