- YDF
INTER CAMPUS USA LAUNCHES IN NYC
Inter Campus, The Youri Djorkaeff Foundation and Pirelli Tire North America partner to set up internationally acclaimed charity and soccer program in needy neighborhoods of NYC
New York City, 2 June 2014 – Pirelli Tire North America, Inter Campus, and The Youri Djorkaeff Foundation are proud to announce the launch of Inter Campus USA in New York City: the first ever program in the region.
Inter Campus was founded in 1997 by Inter Futura, a subsidiary of FC Internazionale Milan, one of the world’s most renowned soccer clubs, as a corporate social responsibility program. With the support of local operators, it uses the game of soccer as an educational tool to enable needy children aged 6 to 13 to have ‘the right to play.’ Since the first successful program launched 17 years ago in a Brazilian favela, Inter Campus is now present in 29 countries around the world. Invited Presented to the United Nations in 2012 by the Italian Permanent Mission to the UN, Inter Campus has been widely recognized as an effective language means for development and peace. Since then it has been actively involved in the activities of the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Sport for Peace and Development.
The June launch in NYC marks the first ever Inter Campus program for the USA, building on the sport’s increasingly popular following in the region. Sponsored by Pirelli, Inter Campus USA will be managed by the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation, an organization run by the acclaimed former FC Internazionale and French soccer player (who was a member of France’s winning FIFA World Cup team in 1998). The result of this close collaboration will be a specific Inter Campus program that respects the mentality and conditions of the NYC community in which it operates.
The Inter Campus USA program will be dedicated to 120 children between the ages of 6 and 13 and four coaches/educators starting in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City. The local coaches will receive periodical sports training by the technical staff of Inter Campus. The children participating in the program will receive official FC Internazionale Milan sportswear kits, and access to training and mentorship from the educators during the course of the academic year. The program expects to offer after-school academic tutoring initiatives as well.
Carlotta Moratti, President of Inter Campus worldwide, said: “Inter Campus was born from the ethical spirit of the FC Internazionale Milan soccer club, drawing on the club’s success and traditions to help inspire and create better life conditions for children in disadvantaged areas – so that they too can achieve their goals and dreams. Thanks to the support of the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation and Pirelli, it’s a privilege to launch the first USA program so we can help make a difference for children and communities who need it in this region.”
Youri Djorkaeff, the renowned former soccer player and founder of the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation, added: “As a player, I have seen first-hand the transformational powers of soccer as a sport. Every kid who plays wants to be better, so it is truly a great catalyst for them to see what is possible and look to achieve their dreams, not just in the sport but in other areas of their lives. I am thrilled to start the program here in the US to bring joy and hope into the lives of children and their families.”
On Pirelli’s sponsorship of the program, PTNA CEO and Chairman Paolo Ferrari explained: “We are excited to be a part of the first ever Inter Campus US program here in NYC, which aims to use the universal appeal of soccer as a tool for social change and empowerment in needy areas where it matters most: with children, our future generations. Pirelli has a rich heritage in sports, having participated in and supported a variety of sports at the highest level for over 100 years. More importantly, we believe in the values and positive benefits of sport – teamwork, passion, mental /physical health, discipline and purpose – so supporting Inter Campus and their honorable mission was a natural fit.”
ABOUT INTER CAMPUS:
Since 1997, Inter Campus has implemented a flexible and long-term social and cooperation program in 29 foreign countries, assisted by local instructors. The aim of the program is to use the game of soccer as an educational tool to restore the right to play to needy children.
ABOUT THE YOURI DJORKAEFF FOUNDATION:
The Youri Djorkaeff Foundation (YDF) is a non-profit organization based in New York City founded and under the direction of 1998 French World Cup Champion and professional soccer player Youri Djorkaeff. The mission of YDF is to provide services and programs to the children of New York City through soccer for social change and improvement in the areas of athletics, mental and physical health and education. In 2014, YDF partnered with Inter Campus to begin the formation of year round soccer programs and camps to promote their shared mission.
ABOUT PIRELLI:
Founded in 1872, Pirelli is among the main tire makers globally. Present in over 160 countries, Pirelli has 22 manufacturing sites and employs approximately 38,000 people around the world. Pirelli is a leading producer of premium tires with a strong commitment to R&D. Successfully competing in motorsports since 1907, Pirelli is currently the exclusive supplier of the Formula 1 championship, the Superbike world championship, and many other championships around the world.
Pirelli is recognized as a socially aware corporation that applies sustainable practices in everything from “green performance” products to providing a healthy environment for its workers and their families. The company achieved a perfect score in the FTSE 4 Good Global and European STOXX sustainability index, and has maintained a global sustainability leadership position in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Indexes for seven consecutive years. Pirelli is the only tire manufacturer to be included in the Global Compact 100 sustainability stock index. In June 2013, the Foreign Policy Association awarded Pirelli Chairman and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera the 2013 Social Responsibility Award for his ongoing endeavors in sustainability and social responsibility.
Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) services NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) member countries through its Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) facility and research and development center at its Rome, Georgia headquarters, its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Silao, Mexico and its New York City, Montreal and Mexico City sales and marketing offices. The company manufactures, distributes and markets original equipment and replacement tires for export and domestic car/motorcycle applications (US, CA, MX) and Agro/Heavy Truck platforms (MX).
For further information please contact:
Pirelli Communications and Media Relations – NAFTA Region
212. 497. 8820 ptna.pr@pirelli.com