DECATHLON AND MAYOR'S FUND FOR LONDON LAUNCH PILOT SPORTS LIBRARIES FOR YOUTH IN LONDON
A project made possible by the Decathlon Foundation.
July 30, 2024
Decathlon UK, in collaboration with the Mayor's Fund for London charity, is proud to announce the launch of the pilot Activity Libraries project. This initiative aims to bring sports and physical activity to children facing the biggest barriers in London, enhancing the existing Kitchen Social programme under the Mayor's Fund for London that addresses food insecurity and social isolation during school holidays.
A project made possible by the Decathlon Foundation, the pilot project will benefit 200 children across 10 local community organisations, providing them with access to a variety of sports including boxing, basketball, dodgeball, football, and more. These Activity Libraries will be integrated into existing Kitchen Social hubs, which already provide safe spaces where children can socialise, make new friends, and receive nutritious meals.
“We're thrilled to support this innovative social project and help vulnerable youth access sports,” said Delphine Bouchereau-Mazillier, a key project team member at Decathlon. “Living in London for five years, I understand the challenges faced by our community and believe this partnership can make a significant impact.”
“With 13 weeks away from school each year, we’re the bridge between term times that keeps young people across the capital growing. This pilot project will ensure that young Londoners facing the biggest barriers, who likely feel anxious about the school holidays, are supported to stay active and engaged, learning key life skills, and experiencing joy like all young Londoners should.” John Jones, Kitchen Social Programme Leader.
The results of the pilot campaign will be shared in September, highlighting the impact and success stories from the participating hubs.
Pilot Locations Across London:
Elays Network Ltd, SW8 3ED
SmileyArk Kids, DA1 5GN
Weavers Adventure Playground Association, E2 6HG
Parentskills2goCIC, SE16 2RU
Streatham Youth and Community Trust, SW16 6LS
OurParks, KT2 7AZ
A.P.P.L.E., W3 7LJ
Sport at the Heart, NW10 3UN
The Dalgarno Trust, W10 5QB
Salaam Peace, E17 8AS
For more information on Social Kitchen, visit: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/food-and-communities/kitchen-social/
About Decathlon
DECATHLON is the world’s largest sporting goods retailer, with over 1,700 stores and 105,000 teammates in more than 70 countries. With its integrated business model, DECATHLON specialises in the creation and production of innovative sporting goods designed to delight and move people through the wonders of sport all around the world.
About Mayor's Fund for London:
We are the Mayor’s Fund for London, a charity that champions opportunities for young Londoners facing the biggest barriers.
Throughout the lifetime of a young Londoner, we’re here for them – providing food as a foundation, skills as a springboard, and power through our platform so they can grow, thrive, and shape London into a truly inclusive, more prosperous city.
Last year we supported 69,800 young Londoners across 32 boroughs, delivering over 470,000 meals and over 15,000 upskilling opportunities.
We work in strategic partnerships across the capital, from local communities, state schools, and leading employers, all the way up to the Mayor of London, our charity patron. Using our unique position in the city, we identify solutions, grow investment, and deliver the best outcomes for young Londoners who need us most. And we share our power with young people too, providing a bridge to London’s key decision-makers to improve London for all.
