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This week, we were excited to announce the latest recipients of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub – a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Beyond Sport and Women Win. Representing 13 countries, the Collective365 innovators are being recognized for collaborative projects that inject sport-based solutions into sectors outside of sport or integrate non-sport solutions into the sport for development sector.
By promoting cross-sector collaboration, resource-sharing and team learning, Collective365 seeks to maximize global and local impact and sustainability. The 13 recipients will receive more than $470,000 (USD) in IOC funding to either pilot and trial new initiatives (seed), or enhance and evolve established or tested innovations (scale) that are tackling social challenges and achieving sustainable development in and through sport.
ANNOUNCING THE COLLECTIVE365 INNOVATIONS & RECIPIENTS:
AKHIN Street Football for Agripreneur – Nigeria: Led by Save the Street Child Foundation (AKHIN) in collaboration with Zigstar Fresh Farm
In Nigeria, homeless youth face stigmatization, injustice and violence and are often excluded from learning opportunities. Coupled with the country’s severe food shortages and high unemployment rate, young people are struggling to secure decent jobs which is reinforcing cycles of poverty and marginalization. In response, AKHIN and Zigstar Fresh Farm have created a program that combines football with agricultural and life skills training to improve employment chances and promote inclusivity.
Program participants will create and manage their own agribusinesses, fostering self-sufficient and confident youth while also combatting food insecurity and social stigmas. AKHIN, the flagship project of Save the Street Foundation, has been empowering homeless Nigerian children and young adults since 2019. Since 2021, ZigStar has supported vulnerable youth by teaching them practical, organic farming skills that will enable them to succeed in the agricultural sector. Combining this with entrepreneurial business training helps ensure that youth can sustain a livelihood and be self-reliant.
“Joining the Olympism365 Innovation Hub is a significant milestone for our Collective, marking global recognition of our mission to transform the lives of street-connected youngsters. This acknowledgment reaffirms the value of our innovative work. It inspires us to deepen our commitment to creativity, collaboration and impactful solutions for vulnerable youth. With this opportunity, we aim to expand our reach and ensure more young lives are transformed through the power of sports and purposeful action.” – Israel Balogun, Director, AKHIN.
Ampi’zay (Enough) – Madagascar: Led by Terres en Mêlées in collaboration with Terres en Mêlées Madagascar and local Gender-based Violence experts
Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread in Madagascar with 41% of women aged 15-49 having experienced physical, sexual or emotional partner violence in their lifetime. Child marriage is one of the most common types of GBV in the country with 40% of girls forced to marry before they’re 18. Girls with lower levels of education are much more likely to be married off before the age of 18. To prevent this, the partners created the Ampi’zay (“Enough” in Malagasy) project targeting middle schools. The initiative combines GBV prevention and education with Terres’ “Rugby for Change” methodology, which uses the sport to create a culture of respect and safety while also challenging deep-rooted gender stereotypes.
To ensure a holistic approach, it also includes a sensitization program for students, teachers, parents and community leaders, as well as psychosocial support for survivors of GBV. By instilling the values of rugby – respect, solidarity, surpassing oneself and team spirit – into the daily lives of students, Ampi’zay aims to have a lasting impact on behaviors and mentalities.
“Innovation is essential to transforming the practice of sports in schools into a tool for education and student wellbeing. Our approach serves as a bridge to concrete actions addressing social issues within communities. These initiatives are carried out in partnership with expert organizations in the targeted areas. Innovation is at the core of both the Rugby for Change methodology and our multi-sector collaboration efforts.” – Kely Randriambololona, Administrative and Financial Manager, Terres en Mêlées.
Automated Referral Exercise Scheme – United Kingdom: Led by London Sport in collaboration with Health Place, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and Virtual Health Labs
Chronic health conditions are putting an immense strain on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) with costs steadily increasing. In 2022 alone, the NHS spent an estimated £6.5 billion treating obesity and related illnesses and around £10 billion on diabetes. People suffering from diabetes and obesity are at a higher risk of heart failure and other chronic health conditions. London Sport and partners are collaborating to reduce the strain on the overburdened healthcare system, while supporting non-clinical interventions to treat long-term conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
This collective will develop and implement a data-driven system automating GLL’s health referral system which directs people to physical health programs in London boroughs. The partners will focus on leveraging data, technology and human support to aid physical activity-based interventions for certain long-term health conditions. This innovation intends to improve health outcomes, efficiencies and individual support provided by the referral process in order to combat the growing health issues and alleviate the load on the NHS.
“We feel honored to be selected for the Olympism365 Innovation Hub. Innovation is fundamental to our work, and we are constantly trying to find new ways to harness sport as a tool for empowerment, community development and preventative healthcare. This opportunity allows us to refine our approach, leveraging technology, research and collaboration to scale our initiatives effectively. By pioneering new approaches, we aim to inspire a future where the values of Olympism drive meaningful and lasting transformation.” – Zakir Patel, Project Manager, Digital, Tech and Innovation, London Sport.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Collective Innovation (BGCTNV) – USA: Led by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley in collaboration with UTK College of Social Work, One Knox Collective and Second Harvest
BGCTNV’s Collective Innovation will strengthen key partnerships in order to provide a more holistic approach to youth development. By expanding the existing ‘Healthy Lifestyles and MESH (Member Emotional and Social Health)’ programs, the initiative will increase comprehensive support addressing the mental and physical health, traumas and long-term wellbeing of the young people it serves. Through the collaboration, BGCTNV will enhance community engagement through events, counseling services and nutrition resources, ensuring broader impact in supporting young people’s needs and mitigating the effects of toxic stress and childhood trauma. The project is designed to increase access to sports and wellness initiatives, promoting physical health, teamwork and leadership skills, while fostering lasting healthy habits among youth.
“Through the Olympism365 Innovation Hub, we are most hopeful of continuing to build partnerships and programs with the most recent and reliable data and science as we increase opportunities for youth and their families. Together we strive for the community to increase their health and wellbeing through education and access and to create a scalable and exemplary model.” – Chara Carey, Health and Wellbeing Program Specialist, BGCTNV.
Empowering Women with Intellectual Disabilities – India: Led by Tarapur Social Development Society (TSDS) in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat West Bengal (SOBWB), Civilian Welfare Foundation (CWF) and Spriha Society
With a goal to advocate for inclusivity and systemic change, this project will use sport to empower women with intellectual disabilities in West Bengal. It will combine adaptive sports training, health monitoring and psychosocial support to address challenges like GBV, child protection, social isolation and developmental barriers. The partners will engage 600 women across 10 districts in disciplines including boccia, badminton, assisted walking, football, inclusive athletics and kabaddi. Efforts will support physical fitness and psychosocial empowerment building emotional resilience and confidence.
TSDS uses education to improve healthcare, sanitation and employment in Bengali communities. It focuses its support on village women and children who face many challenges including poverty and gender inequality. SOBWB organizes Olympic activities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), CWF empowers and supports marginalized groups and Spriha works to increase menstrual and gender awareness. Collectively, the innovation intends to provide comprehensive, local support for women with ID through collaborative research and impact assessment.
“Joining the Olympism365 Innovation Hub presents a unique opportunity to connect with a global network of visionaries who are redefining traditional approaches through the power of sports. In India, where mainstream sports often dominate attention and resources, disability sports remain significantly overlooked, frequently relegated to the realm of entertainment rather than being recognized as a powerful tool for empowerment. Through this initiative, we aim to shift the narrative and challenge the way disability sports are perceived from a policy perspective.” – Dr. Shuvojit Moulik, Ideation and Project Development Lead, Tarapur Social Development Society.
Football for Future Innovators: Empowering Youth and Refugees through Sport, STEM, Vocational Training, Healthcare and Safe Shelter Solutions – Kenya: Led by Matasia Trans Capability in collaboration with Resilient Hearts Africa and Spectrum of Care for Homelessness
This project intends to leverage the unifying platform of football to integrate healthcare awareness, STEM education, vocational training and safe shelter solutions for vulnerable communities. Founded in 2019, Matasia Trans Capability is dedicated to the development of the trans community in Nairobi, Kenya through economic empowerment and capacity-building. In collaboration with Spectrum of Care for Homelessness and Resilient Hearts Africa, Football For Future will empower vulnerable youth, LBQ women and transgender refugees through innovative, cross-sector programs.
With Hub funding, the partners will provide life-changing services, including healthcare workshops, STEM skills development through sports and pathways to economic stability and housing security. The well-rounded approach addresses urgent needs while fostering resilience, empowerment and sustainable futures.
“Being selected to be part of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub is a significant milestone for our collective. It strengthens our capacity to merge sports and advocacy, ensuring that the values of equality, dignity and solidarity resonate beyond our communities. We’re honored to contribute to this vision and build a legacy of impact.” – Maama Makeba, Executive Director at Matasia Trans Capability and Mwiza Allein, Team Lead at Resilient Hearts Africa.
Me la juego por Uribia (Let’s play for Uribia) – Colombia: Led by Fútbol Con Corazón (FCC) in collaboration with Fundación Procaps
This initiative uses football to improve the social, emotional and nutritional health and wellbeing of diverse communities in the Uribia, La Guajira municipality, including Venezuelan migrants, indigenous peoples and the local community. For 17 years, FCC has provided socio-emotional education to children and youth through football, impacting more than 210,000 lives. Since 2013, Fundación Procaps has worked to improve the health of vulnerable communities in Colombia through sustainable projects and programs that influence habits and people’s environments.
Together, FCC and Fundación Procaps want to break the cycle of challenges young people face in the city, including violence, high school drop-out rates and mental health issues. The collective goal is to create lasting impact by building sustainable intervention models that can be replicated in other contexts.
“Being part of Olympism365 is a unique opportunity to collaborate with other innovative organizations and learn from best practices worldwide. In our context, innovation means constantly finding new ways to use football to address social challenges and promote people’s integral development. This initiative will allow us to strengthen our work and generate sustainable solutions for the communities in Colombia with which we collaborate.” – Carlos Pérez, Executive Director, Fútbol Con Corazón.
The Omid Collective – Afghanistan: Led by Free to Run in collaboration with Harvard Business School’s Girls Arise Program, Women in Negotiation’s Expert Coach and a leading scholar in feminism and Islam.
Since 2014, Free to Run has worked to support adolescent girls and young women in conflict areas through running and other outdoor sports that advance leadership and physical and mental wellness. Now, they are partnering with experts from relevant fields to grow their Omid Collective which promotes the mental health and wellbeing of young Afghan women. The innovation combines indoor physical activity in safe, women-only spaces with a program focused on mental health, trauma resilience and life skill development. The Collective will shape, refine, resource and support the program, which has reached over 400 young women since 2022.
“With the increasing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, it is now more crucial than ever to innovate in the work that we do. Using the group’s knowledge of negotiation skills and the field of gender and Islam, as well as lived experience, we will develop a contextualized curriculum that will improve Afghan girls and young women’s ability to negotiate and navigate through the daily constraints that they encounter. Additionally, through a psychosomatic program building on yoga, strength training and breathwork, the program will continue to enhance young women and girls’ mental health. The knowledge sharing and learning platform offered by the Olympism365 Innovation Hub is great additional support for organizational growth and improvement and a chance to meet like-minded folks. Free to Run hopes to enrich its program and the impact on Afghan women and girls’ emotional wellbeing through this Collective’s work.” – Free to Run
Pateando Por La Igualdad – Argentina: Led by Fenikks in collaboration with Aprile Plásticos
In Argentina, 57% of children and adolescents live below the poverty line, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities. Moreover, the country has significant plastic pollution, poor waste disposal practices and high levels of plastic debris found in waterways. The concentration of this waste is disproportionately located in low-income neighborhoods.
This innovation is built on the belief that football has immense power to create a sense of belonging and community. The partners believe it can also be a powerful platform to educate on environmental responsibility. Social enterprise, Fenikks and plastic recycling company Aprile Plásticos are dedicated to recovery and treatment in upcycling plastic waste into valuable products. The collaboration seeks to eliminate plastic waste pollution in low-income areas, transforming them into football boots.
For many young people owning a proper football kit is a rare privilege. So for each pair sold, another is donated to a neighborhood club as an incentive for taking responsible action on the environment, and so that more youth can enjoy the sport’s benefits. This allows the local community to learn about sustainability, as well as helping them play football more equitably through access to suitable kit and equipment.
“Being selected as part of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub is a significant milestone for our collective. In a context where innovation is crucial to tackle environmental and social challenges, this opportunity enables us to tangibly merge sustainability with sport. We’re eager to learn from other initiatives within the Hub and explore collaborations that can amplify our impact. Through our joint efforts in creating football boots made from recycled plastic, we aim to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices within the sports industry, showcasing that it’s possible to transform waste into valuable resources.”– Tomas Machuca, Founder & CEO Fenikks.
Reimagining Youth Sport Project – USA, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Great Britain and Kenya: Led by Ashoka Sport for Changemaking in collaboration with Education for Sharing, Ashoka Fellow Victor Gutierrez, Ashoka Young Changemaker Isabela Machado, the World Freestyle Football Association, Youth Sports Trust and Adelphi University Professor Dr. Meridith Whitley with more to come.
More than 80% of young people today do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Additionally, early specialization in youth sports often leads to burnout and neglects the needs, voices and agency of young people in shaping their own sporting journey. In response, this innovation will launch a Collective focused on transforming the global youth sports system into one that nurtures agency, diversity, resilience, holistic wellbeing and social change.
The partners will explore the conditions and practices sustaining the current ‘win at all costs’ mentality while surfacing innovative incentive structures and approaches that reimagine the culture, financial structures, regulations and measures of success in youth sports. The goal is to reflect a system where everyone benefits and succeeds together. Ultimately, by developing a guiding framework and prototyping innovative structures, the collective aims to shape decision-making across the global youth sports ecosystem. This will create environments where young people can grow their agency and develop their change-making skills, allowing them to meaningfully engage in their communities, whether in or outside of sport.
“We envision a world where every young person can develop their agency and changemaker skills through the power of sport. Our vision calls for a fundamental shift in the culture, financial structures, regulations and success metrics of youth sports, creating a system where all thrive. With the support of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub, we have the unique opportunity to collaborate with partners to develop an architecture that aligns decision-making across the youth sport ecosystem to match this vision.” – Hector Moyeton, Co-Lead, Ashoka.
Support Needs Assessment Tool Sports and Exercise (SNAT-SE) – Australia: Led by The University of Queensland (UQ) project team in collaboration with The Y Queensland
UQ and The Y Queensland will create a digital version of the SNAT-SE tool which currently helps community coaches support people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. By digitizing the tool, coaches will be able to use the resource no matter their location, allowing them to reach more communities – all free of charge.
The project is led by researchers from the UQ’s schools of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences (HMNS) and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). The partners believe that inclusive sport has a crucial role to play in addressing disparities in preventable health problems and social isolation – including to change negative stereotypes about people with disabilities. Established in 1864, The Y Queensland – formerly known as YMCA Queensland – is dedicated to fostering community wellbeing. Following a test phase with fitness professionals and people with disabilities, UQ will collaborate with The Y to trial its implementation as standard practice for sporting and recreation organizations internationally.
“People with disabilities experience many preventable health problems and are often isolated socially and frequently excluded from full participation in society. Participation in community sport represents an important pathway to improve these outcomes for people with disabilities, and supporting coaches to work effectively with them is critical to achieving this. By digitizing the co-designed and tested SNAT-SE, we hope to support people with disabilities to participate in sport across diverse needs, locations and sports.” – Dr. Martin O’Flaherty, UQ Research Fellow.
Trailblazers Collective – Kenya: Led by Emerging Leaders Foundation Limited (ELF)-Africa in collaboration with AddVenture Leadership
This project features a 12-day wilderness experiential learning program designed to cultivate the next generation of Kenyan social impact leaders. It focuses on developing skills such as collaboration, creativity and adaptability, while also integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum. Through a combination of tailored evening workshops, a customized curriculum and immersive outdoor adventures, participants will not only gain practical knowledge but also foster deep self-discovery, build strong networks and enhance their ability to lead with purpose.
ELF’s adventure leadership programs are designed to hone leadership qualities in dynamic and transformative environments, making them a natural complement to the program’s goals. Trailblazers Collective is dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders equipped to drive social impact and innovation.
“Tomorrow’s global leaders will undoubtedly emerge from Kenya and Africa; now is the time to apply innovative approaches to maximize our collective human potential and leadership. We aim to redefine outdoor experiences as leadership training tools, fostering bold, self-aware, resilient and collaborative leaders who embrace challenges, drive social impact and strengthen global and intergenerational connections.” – Stella Nderitu, Director of Programs and Partnerships, Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF) and Elena Olivi, Co-Founder, AddVenture.
Welcome Sports Club Jobs – Portugal: Led by Social Innovation Sportshub Associação (SISH) and Centro para as Migrações do Fundão
The Collective Innovation leverages the Welcome Sports Club Jobs (WSC Jobs) methodology to promote the social and economic integration of migrants and refugees, creating a pathway to autonomy through sports and employment. This four-stage approach—Beneficiary Engagement, Vocational Profiling, Stakeholder Engagement and Post-Placement Support— provides migrants and refugees with the tools they need to excel. It combines sport sessions, vocational training, mentoring and job placement support, facilitating community connections and reducing isolation.
The scalable model uses sports to enhance employability and social inclusion and drive long-term sustainability by integrating participants into the local workforce. Building on its success in urban Lisbon, the partners are adapting and replicating WSC Jobs for use in rural Fundão. The collaboration will allow for region-specific adaptations to address rural challenges and economies, while also using sport to promote social cohesion, increase employability and ensure long-term social and economic integration for migrants and refugees.
“Being selected for the Olympism365 Innovation Hub is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with leading organizations, learn from diverse global practices and understand how innovation can be applied across different contexts. Our Collective aims to expand its knowledge, gain greater recognition both nationally and globally, and most importantly, amplify the positive impact we have on the communities we serve. By engaging in this network, we hope to co-create sustainable models that combine sports and social innovation to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.” – André Ries, Project Manager at Social Innovation Sports.
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