FIRST INTER CAMPUS USA PROJECT CREATED ON OUTSKIRTS OF NEW YORK

NEW YORK – The Consulate General of Italy in New York is pleased to announce – as part of the celebrations for this year’s Festa della Repubblica dedicated to sport – the creation of the first Inter Campus USA project in New York City. The project is the result of a partnership between Pirelli Tire North America, Inter Campus and the Yoeri Djorkaeff Foundation. Inter Campus is the social responsibility scheme run by FC Internazionale. Since 1997, with the help of local organisations, Inter Campus has used the game of football as a learning tool to restore the right to play to disadvantaged children aged between 6 and 13. Since the creation of a first programme in a Brazilian favela, Inter Campus now operates in 29 countries around the world. Presented to the UN in 2012 by the Permanent Representation of Italy, Inter Campus is today recognised as an effective tool for development and peace. It is also actively involved in the work carried out by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace.

The New York City programme is the first Inter Campus project in the US and reflects the growing popularity of football in the country. Sponsored by Pirelli, Inter Campus USA will be run by the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation, the organisation headed by the former Inter player and member of the 1998 French World Cup-winning side. Inter Campus USA, set up in full respect of the culture and needs of the local community, will initially operate in the New York City neighbourhood of Inwood and will work with 120 children aged between 6 and 13, as well as four educator/coaches who will receive regular sports training from the Inter Campus staff. The kids taking part in the programme will receive an official Inter kit and will also work with educators during the school year. The project features after-school activities and tutoring too.

Inter Campus president Carlotta Moratti stated the following: “Inter Campus is a tangible example of FC Internazionale’s ethics. These ethics are inspired by the club’s tradition, which has always been committed to improving the lives of children living in difficult conditions to help them achieve their dreams and ambitions. Thanks to the support of Pirelli and the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation, we are launching the first Inter Campus project in the US which will help to change the lives of children and communities living in troubled areas.” Youri Djorkaeff made the following comments: “As a player, I was able to experience first hand how football can change the world. Every child that plays the game wants to be better and have the chance to see his dreams – not just sporting ones – come true. This programme will definitely provide great motivation for them. I’m happy to begin the Inter Campus USA project here in New York, where we will bring joy and hope to the lives of children and their families.” Paolo Ferrari, CEO of Pirelli Tire North America, was next to speak: “We’re happy to be a part of the first Inter Campus USA programme which, thanks to the universal appeal of soccer, is an instrument for change and social responsibility in disadvantaged areas most at need by involving children, i.e. generations of the future. Pirelli has a long tradition in sports, appearing in some of the biggest competitions for over 100 years. We believe in the values and benefits of sport – team work, passion, physical and mental health, discipline and determination – and this is why we support the Inter Campus mission.”

INTER CAMPUS Since 1997, Inter Campus has developed long-term social programmes with flexible cooperation and the support of local educators in 29 countries around the world. The aim of the programme is to use the game of football as an educational tool to restore the right to play to disadvantaged children.

PIRELLI Founded in 1872, Pirelli is today one of the world leaders in tyre manufacturing, focusing on high-level products in the Premium sector. Its support for Inter Campus, which began in 1997 and has continued over the intervening years, is another example of the company’s long-time involvement in sport: over the years, Pirelli has developed initiatives in cycling, athletics, football – where it is an FC Internazionale sponsor – and motor sports, holding a prestigious position thanks to Formula One where it is the exclusive tyre supplier. A tradition which originated not only with the aim of promoting the brand, but also to share values linked with sport such as discipline, consistency, passion, team work, competition and motivation.

THE YOURI DJORKAEFF FOUNDATION YDF is an NGO based in New York, founded and run by former world champion Youri Djorkaeff. YDF’s mission is to provide services and projects to support children in New York using the game of football to help improve their physical and mental health. In 2014, YDF and Inter Campus began a partnership to create a year-long educational project focused on the game of football.

03.06.2014