WE
STRIVE
TOWE
STRIVE
TO
We're partnering to develop and enhance community spaces and programs, so more people have the opportunity to play.
We're working with local partners and communities to make sport a place where everybody feels represented, welcome and included.
OUR AMBITION TO CREATE LASTING IMPACTWe build partnerships, volunteer our time, and create products with one goal in mind: to help more people access sport and feel they belong.
In collaboration with our non-profit, grassroots, and community partners, we’re driving change and transforming lives through sport.
Billie Jean King - adidas Ambassador
TOGETHER WE CAN REACH FURTHER
29 Countries
With our partners, we bring the power of sport to communities in 29 countries. Opening doors to play, belong and thrive around the world.
30 Key Partners & Programs
Together, we co-create and provide support to programs addressing barriers to sport, bringing meaningful impact to individuals and their communities.
230 Local Organizations
Our programs and initiatives help turn the power of sport into real opportunities. Through funding and collaboration, we were able to support communities across 230 local organizations worldwide in 2025.
29 Countries
With our partners, we bring the power of sport to communities in 29 countries. Opening doors to play, belong and thrive around the world.
30 Key Partners & Programs
Together, we co-create and provide support to programs addressing barriers to sport, bringing meaningful impact to individuals and their communities.
230 Local Organizations
Our programs and initiatives help turn the power of sport into real opportunities. Through funding and collaboration, we were able to support communities across 230 local organizations worldwide in 2025.
Key Partners and ProgramsFind out more about our global community of partners.
Key Partners and ProgramsFind out more about our global community of partners.
global
adidas FoundationThe foundation works globally through partnership development, community engagement, advocacy, evaluation and research to unite communities through sport and drive social change for people and the planet.Learn more
USA
adidas LegacyA basketball platform for underrepresented communities that empowers and unites the next generation of creators to make a better future.Learn more
USA
Ahmaud Arbery FoundationSupporting mental wellness and creating pathways for young men to thrive through a harmony of running and leadership programming.Learn more
south africa
AmandlaAMANDLA drives positive change for youth by creating Safe-Hubs in impoverished areas that offer sports, education, and mentorship.Learn more
china
Amity FoundationThis foundation works to enhance sports development in rural China by providing sports products, teacher training, and academic opportunities.Learn more
USA
Athlete AllyAdvocacy to move LGBTQI+ equality forward in sport by activating communities to lead and consult on creating more inclusive policies.Learn more
USA
Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaA network of clubs offering affordable sports access for youth to develop their confidence through recreational programs.Learn more
china
China Children and Teenager FundThis partnership focuses on promoting the all-around development of children & adolescents and creating more opportunities for them to fully enjoy the joy of sports.Learn more
global
Common GoalA sport-for-good network connecting the cultural and financial influence of the football industry with local organisations all around the world to dismantle inequalities and build a better future for all.Learn more
brazil
CUFAThis organization promotes integration, empowerment and social inclusion through cultural, sports and educational projects in favelas.Learn more
Panama
Fundación Alberto MottaBy supporting initiatives in education, health, culture, the environment and housing the foundation provides partners with tools to improve life in high‑risk communities. The joint Encestando Sueños program exemplifies this impact by transforming young basketball athletes through sport.Learn more
Peru
Fundación Niños Del Arco IrisThe foundation is a non-profit in Peru focused on improving the lives of economically vulnerable children. Providing education, health, and nutrition to children ages 3-13, the foundation works to break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures through a holistic approach that nurtures mind and body.Learn more
Argentina
Fundación River PlateThrough eight different educational, sports, and social programs, River Plate Foundation supports the development of young people in social and economic vulnerable situations. It strives to contribute to and build a more just and integrated society.Learn more
Panama
Fútbol con CorazónA social enterprise promoting inclusive, community-driven development through the game of football. It aims to empower children, youth, and families to become positive change agents. Fútbol con Corazón is active in multiple countries across Latin America, USA and Spain.Learn more
Chile
Fútbol MásFútbol Más is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their communities through sports. The organization is active in 18 countries across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East and focuses on fostering resilience, building meaningful relationships, and enhancing community cohesion.Learn more
USA
Girls on the RunA running program inspiring girls to be healthier and more confident by teaching them how to train for and run a complete 5K race.Learn more
brazil
Gol de LetraThis foundation annually supports over 4,500 young people from socially vulnerable communities in Brazil with sports, education, cultural, and vocational training programs.Learn more
japan
Her TeamA project in partnership with Japan Football Association dedicated to creating an environment where teenaged girls are encouraged to continue playing football.Learn more
Canada
Hope and HealthImproving health and life outcomes for Indigenous youth in British Columbia by engaging kids through sports-based development soccer programs.Learn more
south africa
Kolisi FoundationThe foundation works to bring systemic change through sport and education by addressing gender-based violence and contributing to food security.Learn more
MEXICO
LazosLazos is a Mexican organization with 29+ years of empowering children in vulnerable public schools. By enhancing academics and fostering values like gratitude, self-esteem, and confidence, Lazos equips children to overcome challenges, improve their schools, and achieve their goals for a brighter future.Learn more
brazil
Museu do FutebolAs Brazil's largest football museum, this space offers exhibitions and programs that celebrate sports. It fosters discussions on gender equality, empowerment, anti-racism, and inclusion.Learn more
MEXICO
Nuestros Pequeños HermanosNPH Mexico provides a loving, stable home for vulnerable children, offering care, education, and opportunities to thrive. With a holistic approach that includes healthcare, emotional support, sports, and community building, NPH empowers children to break the cycle of poverty and become compassionate leaders.Learn more
europe
Special Olympics GermanyThe largest inclusive sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities in Germany. Through the unifying power of sport, they promote an inclusive society where everyone can lead active, self-determined, and fulfilling lives.Learn more
USA
StarlingsA volleyball and academic program that serves girls from low-socioeconomic backgrounds by offering a space to find empowerment, direction, and love through training and competition.Learn more
china
Suzhou HHLX FoundationThis partnership focuses on the sports needs of students and groups with special needs, allowing participants to experience the joy of life and gain physical health.Learn more
USA
The Hidden OpponentAdvocacy that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health. It creates safe spaces for athletes to be heard and coaches to be educated.Learn more
COLOMBIA
Tiempo de JuegoTiempo de Juego is a community empowerment program focusing on providing psychosocial skills, technical training, and leadership development through sport. It’s aim is to inspire and enable young people to become agents of change within their community.Learn more
USA
U.S. Soccer FoundationSupporting the physical and personal development of children in underserved communities through soccer by constructing pitches for youth play.Learn more
global
With Women We RunWith Women We Run is our global running initiative focusing on building a community, rooted in allyship and advocacy, who actively combats gender-based violence and discrimination in the sport.Learn more
FEATURED STORIESExplore a selection of stories highlighting our partners, the people behind the work, and the real impact in action.
Load More Stories
Discover More
discover more
adidas FoundationThe adidas Foundation works globally through partnership development, community engagement, advocacy, evaluation and research to unite communities through sport and drive social change for people and the planet.
Diversity, Equity & InclusionCreating culture, together. On the field or in our organization, we need fresh perspectives, open conversations and passion to make sport a place where everyone is represented and welcome.
Adidas foundationThe adidas Foundation works globally through partnership development, community engagement, advocacy, evaluation and research to unite communities through sport and drive social change for people and the planet.
Diversity,
Equity & InclusionCreating culture, together. On the field or in our organization, we need fresh perspectives, open conversations and passion to make sport a place where everyone is represented and welcome.
FOR THE PLACES WE PLAYThe planet is a playground. See how we are shifting our business to help reduce our impact on the environment. Explore our action steps and our roadmap to a lower-impact future. Learn More
EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH FOOTBALL IN JAPAN
Football has the power to build confidence, create connections, and unlock potential. Yet in Japan, one in five girls stops playing football by the age of 13, often because there are limited opportunities to continue the sport during their junior high school years.
To help change that, adidas Japan and the Japan Football Association (JFA) launched Her Team - an initiative dedicated to creating more opportunities for girls to play, grow, and belong in football.
XoXglpvkBnU
Creating opportunities to playAt the heart of Her Team is a commitment to helping more girls stay connected to the game they love.
The initiative's core objective is to support the establishment and growth of girls' football teams across Japan, helping U-15 players continue playing during a critical stage when many leave the game due to limited opportunities at the junior high school level.
To achieve this, Her Team provides practical resources, including team kits, recruitment support, and access to football development opportunities. By helping new teams get off the ground and existing teams thrive, Her Team is working to remove barriers that prevent girls from continuing their football journey.
Building a community through footballHer Team is about more than just teams - it's about belonging.
In addition to supporting girls' teams, Her Team provides community activations and football clinics designed to make football more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for girls across Japan.
Through these experiences, and through the annual Her Team Cup, girls from across the country come together to play, learn, and connect. As a participation-focused football event, the Her Team Cup helps girls build confidence, develop friendships, and continue their football journey in a supportive environment.
Together, these initiatives create a welcoming space where participants can experience the joy of the game while becoming part of a wider football community.
Inspiring the next generationRepresentation matters.
Through the Her Team Cup, participants have the opportunity to meet former Japan Women's National Team players and other role models from the women's game. By sharing their stories, experiences, and challenges, these football pioneers help inspire the next generation to dream bigger and see new possibilities for their future in the sport.
For many girls, these interactions provide a rare chance to learn directly from women who have successfully paved their own path in football.
Driving long-term impactSince launching in 2020, Her Team has helped establish and support 102 girls' football teams across Japan, creating more opportunities for girls to play, develop their skills, and stay involved in football within their local communities.
Together with JFA, adidas is helping ensure that more girls have the opportunity to stay in the game, build confidence through sport, and shape their future through football.
Building confidence, one stride at a time
Sport has the power to change lives. For Girls on the Run, that's not just a belief. It's a mission they've been delivering on for years, one stride at a time.
Girls on the Run inspires participants of all abilities to build confidence, develop life skills, and grow through running and movement-based lessons led by volunteer coaches, culminating in a celebratory 5K that celebrates their accomplishment and builds confidence far beyond the finish line.
adidas has proudly partnered with Girls on the Run since 2019. Because when a girl feels strong in her body, she feels strong in herself. The program reaches girls at a critical stage, strengthening their confidence at a time when the world often begins to place limits on what they believe they can do. By supporting girls’ physical health, emotional wellbeing and sense of self, Girls on the Run meets them exactly when and where they need it most.
Bringing the Partnership to LifeDuring this year's Boston Marathon week, adidas came to Boston with a clear purpose: to celebrate the power of partnership, purpose, and community alongside Girls on the Run, bringing the partnership to life both in adidas stores and on the course.
It started in stores, with Girls on the Run featured as the April donation partner at registers across all adidas locations, giving everyday customers a chance to be part of something bigger.
On the course, 27 SoleMates, the organization's endurance fundraising team, ran and fundraised on behalf of Girls on the Run. Together, they raised an incredible $400,000 to support programming through the Boston council. To honor each of the 27 SoleMates, a celebration jacket and a pair of adidas Evo SL running shoes were gifted in recognition of their fundraising achievement.
Mile 15: Where Purpose Meets PerformanceAfter a week of partnership, purpose, and community in action, it all came together on race day at the symbolic mile 15 mark of the marathon, where family, friends, and supporters gathered to cheer on SoleMates and runners from around the world.
Mile 15 was deliberately chosen as a symbol of the next step. Through its work with Girls on the Run, adidas is committed to keeping girls in sport beyond age 14. Being present at mile 15 meant showing up for that exact moment, supporting young athletes as they push past barriers and keep going.
Boston was more than a race week. It was proof of what happens when a partnership is built on shared belief: that sport builds confidence, community, and opportunity for every girl who needs it.
Improving access to sport and education
LET’S EXERCISE, SEOULIn the semi-arid region of Passagem do Juazeiro, daily life is shaped by extreme heat and limited rainwater. To support the community, love.fútbol and adidas partnered to introduce a multi-sport pitch designed for play and connection. Alongside this, essential infrastructure was built to help strengthen local resilience and support the community long term.
GuCsHJv6l4c
THE CHALLENGEPassagem do Juazeiro’s semi-arid climate makes everyday activities far more difficult. Limited rainfall and extreme heat impact both farming and access to sport and recreation. The community relies on seasonal agriculture that is heavily affected by drought. Public infrastructure is minimal, with few safe or structured spaces for sport or community activities.
As a result, young people have limited opportunities to take part in sports and social activities, even though there is a strong local need for safe, inclusive spaces protected from the extreme heat. That’s why adidas and Common Goal joined forces with Love.Fútbol through Move For The Planet — to create a shaded, safe space where kids can come together, play, grow, and chase their dreams.
A CLIMATE-RESILIENT HUBAt the heart of the project is a covered, multi-purpose pitch designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Passagem do Juazeiro. Equipped with solar-powered lighting, shaded areas, and rainwater harvesting systems, the space enables year-round use while responding to heat and water scarcity. It provides the first dedicated sports and recreation facility for over 2,000 residents across six villages.
Alongside the pitch, a 16,000-litre rainwater cistern was installed to collect and store water to support vegetable and fish production for community meals. This helps improve water security, reduce reliance on external supply, and expand food provision for families in need.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.Learn More
EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENTThe project also delivers a structured programme combining sport with environmental education and social development. Children and young people take part in regular sessions focused on sustainability, water conservation, and protection of the local Caatinga biome, alongside values such as inclusion, gender equity, and mental wellbeing.
Young people are encouraged to take active roles in supporting activities, helping to build leadership skills and strengthen community involvement. The initiative supports improved access to sport, education, and life skills while contributing to greater community cohesion and resilience.
Creating inclusive sport together
Since 1991, Special Olympics Germany has been advancing equal access to self-development, free choices, self-expression, and society: using sport as a catalyst for change for people with intellectual disabilities. As a recognized national federation within the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), it runs year‑round training, competitions, and education and health programs across the country. A core principle of its work is the active involvement of athletes in shaping the organization itself: athletes take on meaningful roles as speakers, advisors, vice presidents, and in many other functions, contributing to the organization just like any other colleague.
Since 2023, the year Germany hosted the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, adidas and Special Olympics Germany have been partners on equal footing. Together we outfit and support Team Germany at the World Games in Berlin 2023, Turin 2025, and Santiago de Chile in 2027 as well as invest in grassroots programs that promote access to sports and sports clubs to athletes across Germany. Our aim is that more than the current 8% of people with intellectual disabilities in Germany are motivated to participate in sports and have access to it. The shared ambition is straightforward: to make sport more inclusive at every level, on equal terms for every athlete.
Powered by Our PeopleAt the heart of this partnership is a cross functional project team of adidas employees who volunteer alongside their regular roles, working side by side with Special Olympics Germany and their athletes who shape every step.
Through training camps on our campus, athlete meetups, and brand moments like the Global Week of Inclusion, employees and Special Olympics athletes spend real time together training, sharing meals, and exchanging perspectives. For many of our colleagues, these encounters are genuinely eye-opening: the athletes bring energy, insight, and a way of showing up that changes how we think about sport, performance, and what inclusion really means.
The Power of Co-CreationThe creation of the shoe was inspired by the brand’s partnership with Chris Nikic and his relentless drive to break down barriers. By involving the community at every step, from product design through to testing, and partnering with advocates who connect us with a diverse range of runners, we're ensuring adaptive performance isn't treated as an afterthought, but as part of how we design. We believe that through sports, we have the power to change lives.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.Learn More
More Than a PartnershipIt’s not just a partnership on paper. It’s driven by leadership, shaped by the project team, and brought to life by employees and athletes together. The experience is genuinely inclusive, because it is shaped on eye-level and results in both ways, celebrating every step of our journey hand in hand.
Let’s exercise, Seoul
LET’S EXERCISE, SEOULIn Korea, since 2017, adidas has partnered with the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the ‘Let's Exercise, Seoul’ project to ensure safe and equitable access to sports for people of all genders, ages, and abilities. This initiative focuses on further improving sports facilities and creating better environments for Seoul residents to connect with each other. The Hwigyeong 2 futsal court was refurbished and celebrated through its unveiling in Nov 2025.
HWIGYEONG 2 FUTSAL COURTThe futsal court at Hwigyeong 2, located at the riverside park in Dongdaemun District, recently saw its operations temporarily suspended after heavy snowfall damaged the roof truss and supporting fences. The 2025 project focused on making the facility more resilient to severe weather conditions and flooding.
THE RE-OPENING CEREMONYTo celebrate the reopening, a special ceremony was held with the community. The event featured a futsal clinic with coaches from the long-time partner Cha Bum-kun Football Academy. Members of a local children’s futsal team also joined, along with adults from the Dongdaemun District Sports Council who have intellectual and developmental disabilities meaning they require support in sports activities.
adidas employee volunteers took part to support the participants and engage directly with the community.
MARKUS MORENT - Managing Director of adidas Korea
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.
Learn More
Reducing barriers for all athletes
Reducing barriers for all athletes: Supernova Rise 3 AdaptiveA new chapter in adidas Running begins with Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive, adidas’ first performance running shoe designed in partnership with athletes with disabilities.
Developed with input from people with disabilities, caregivers, and athletes, and inspired by adidas-sponsored athlete Chris Nikic - the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman - this shoe was created for athletes with disabilities to ensure accessibility is designed into the sport from the start.
Q_OTM1pwTMk
THE CHALLENGEFor millions of people with disabilities, access to running can feel impossible. We heard directly from athletes with disabilities that something as simple as getting into their running shoes can shape their entire experience, from confidence and comfort, to whether they feel able to take part at all. Their voices helped us identify the everyday frictions and find solutions that address real needs.
As Nik Nikic, father of athlete Chris Nikic, explains: “On a scale from 1 to 10, when you think about pain tolerance that an able-bodied person would feel at an eight, at one Chris would feel the same level of pain.”
The Power of Co-CreationThe creation of the shoe was inspired by the brand’s partnership with Chris Nikic and his relentless drive to break down barriers. By involving the community at every step, from product design through to testing, and partnering with advocates who connect us with a diverse range of runners, we're ensuring adaptive performance isn't treated as an afterthought, but as part of how we design. We believe that through sports, we have the power to change lives
The ProductThe Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive features a reimagined design with adaptive lacing and tactile design details that make the shoe easier to put on, adjust, and more comfortable to wear. The shoe also leverages Supernova’s proven ingredients, like a softer Dreamstrike+ midsole, to provide athletes with a superior blend of comfort and support.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.
Learn More
Educating through football
fÚtbol con corazÓnadidas and Common Goal have teamed up for Move For The Planet to fund projects around the world, all with one central mission – to provide education on sustainability and adapt the infrastructure of sports facilities. Fútbol con Corazón is passionate about football and the positive impact it can make on the lives of local youths in Colombia.
The local community on the island of Tierra Bomba in Cartagena has struggled with spaces to play football on the island. Throughout the year, the organization has been able to finalize the adaptation of an open space by turning it into a football pitch, they also raised awareness throughout the community about the importance of conserving the island's spaces with the creation of in-community "environmental guardians". The implementation of a plastic repurposing machine has allowed for the local community to convert plastic waste into usable items that local community members can use and sell at a local market.
The organization will continue to support similar projects throughout Colombia.
4pkcT_Szo-M
KEY INFO
Location:Tierra Bomba, Cartagena, Colombia
MOVE FOR THE PLANET YEAR:2023
sport focus:Football
impact areas:Renewed Sports Infrastructure & Sustainable Management Processes
Education on Environmental Sustainability and Sports
actions
Converting an empty space into a usable sports field.Creation of locker rooms at the field location that allows for community gatherings and equipment storage.Revival of ecosystems through planting of mangroves.Construction and adaptation of space available to community for team activities.Provide seed capital, machinery and entrepreneurship trainings to community leaders to learn to process plastic waste as a business.
Sport-based education sessions promoting climate action and environmental protection.Regular environmental activities including mangrove planting and solid waste collection.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.
Learn More
Empowerment through education and sport
KOLISI FOUNDATIONThe Kolisi Foundation was founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi in 2020, aimed at tackling inequality in South Africa. The Foundation’s vision is to empower communities through education and sport, gender equality, and food security.
In the same year, adidas and the Kolisi Foundation teamed up to break down barriers to ensure that the community of Zwide has safe, equitable access to sport.
kY-546RvX00
KEY INFO
Location:Zwide, South Africa
adidas partner since:2020
sport focus:
impact areas:
Impact AreasNew and refurbished infrastructure provides safe and equitable access to sport. Product donations provide the right technology needed to coach performance sports. Education through sport - helping develop healthy, active, emotionally and academically stronger children while contributing to the communities in which they live.
ACTIONSDriving Social Change Through Education and SportLaunched in 2022, the Siyaphakama Zwide Schools Project is a collaborative initiative dedicated to overcoming the challenges faced by township youth in Zwide, South Africa. Named after Siya Kolisi and his late mother, Phakama, “Siyaphakama” means “We are rising”. The project offers a tailored program in six Primary Schools in Zwide - focusing on academic support, physical education, nutrition, and life skills, while refurbishing the facilities at each school. It empowers children and young people to break the cycle of poverty.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.
Learn More
Football, Safe Space and clean water
SAFE-HUBadidas and Common Goal have teamed up for Move For The Planet to fund projects around the world, all with one central mission – to provide education on sustainability and adapt the infrastructure of sports facilities. Safe-Hub creates safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play, learn and thrive – using the power of sport and education to strengthen communities and build a more equitable future.
The townships in this mining area of Marikana, South Africa suffer from high levels of pollution, lack access to clean drinking water and have limited recreational spaces. The organization has enabled construction of sports infrastructure with an integrated water capturing and purification system. Alongside this construction they are implementing sports-based environmental skills programs to support the vulnerable community and feed back into their economy.
NL7dJjViEYw
KEY INFO
Location:BAPONG, SOUTH AFRICA
move for the planet year:2023
sport focus:FOOTBALL
impact areas:CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE
EDUCATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND SPORT
actions
Construction of a 5-a-side football pitch with embedded rainwater collection systemRainwater collection system, capable of producing up to 17 Million liters of clean drinking water, enough for a nearby school and 200 familiesConstruction of water storage unitsThe initiative also includes a small-scale recycling system to support sustainable Safe-Hub operations on site.
EduFootball program that integrates climate and waste-related educational activities for up to 500 young peopleIntegration of practical recycling activities
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.
Learn More
Developing leadership and environmental awareness through sport
ENABLING LEADERSHIPadidas and Common Goal are supporting the international organisation Enabling Leadership to deliver the Play for the Planet project in the Dharwad District and surrounding communities in Karnataka, India.
Launched in 2011, the initiative uses football-based learning to develop life skills, leadership and environmental awareness among children. By combining sport, education and community engagement, this popular programme demonstrably strengthens confidence, teamwork and responsibility.
KEY INFO
Location:DHARWAD REGION, INDIA
MOVE FOR THE PLANET YEAR:2024
sport focus:FOOTBALL
impact areas:CLIMATE ADAPTED SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORED IN 6 RURAL SCHOOLS, PAIRED WITH LEADERSHIP & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
THE CHALLENGEIn India, many children are enrolled in government schools where the opportunities to develop life skills and learn about environmental issues are limited.
As part of the project, climate-adapted sports infrastructure was restored in six rural schools, paired with leadership and environmental education. These improvements help schools and local communities adapt to changing climate conditions such as heavy rainfall, erosion and extended dry periods.
INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSFORMATIONAs an example, at GHS Kalakeri – a co-educational school serving for grades 8 to 10 – work is underway to level the large playing fields at the front of the campus. The initial phase involves flattening and compacting the soil to create a surface that can withstand heavy rainfall and channel excess water into a nearby lake serving the local village.
Surrounding the field, the planting of saplings represents a longer-term initiative. These trees will provide shade and shelter over time, as well as help prevent soil erosion. Students at the school are actively involved in caring for the saplings, ensuring they grow into healthy, mature trees. This tree-planting effort supports multiple objectives: it enhances the local ecosystem, strengthens climate resilience, and creates a more sustainable environment for the school and the wider community.
Moreover, at DPEP Mugad, located 45 minutes from GHS Kalakeri, the playground, field and landscaping work has been completed, and the school and wider community are already benefiting from the improvements.
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENTAlongside infrastructure upgrades, students learn about waste management, recycling and sustainable resource use. A strong focus on gender inclusion ensures that girls and boys participate equally, fostering leadership and empowerment through mixed sports activities.
adidas and Common Goal will continue to support Enabling Leadership and the Play for the Planet initiative in 2026 - with a focus on developing climate–adapted infrastructure for rural schools and providing environmental education alongside sports activities.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTFrom local partnerships to employee volunteering, explore how we're breaking down barriers through sport. Read the stories of the people and organizations helping us on our journey.Learn More