In 2005, Mario Raimondi, a Senior Athlete Service Rep for Nike, co-founded the El Desafio Foundation, a Holland and Argentina-based non-profit, which provides community programs and support for at-risk youth. El Desafio utilizes different programs like music, art and sports amongst others as a vehicle to connect with children and tackle their issues.
“We believe that the key for a deep change in the country is inlaid in each of its inhabitants,” says El Desafio co-founder Mario Raimondi. “To achieve this change, we need to get involved and commit the Argentineans with this reality.”
Without the help of such organizations, Raimondi believes that many Argentinean youth would not have access to basic needs like food, healthcare and education. Instead of sponsoring a program to provide food to thousands of children, Raimondi and his staff developed several programs to increase the long-term impact on each child. One example is the Rhythm of Life program, which organizes cultural events such as “Murga” lessons, which typically consist of popular percussion, art and acrobatics groups.
“We've seen children improving their learning process, attending school more frequently, and building self-esteem and character to start facing their issues,” says Raimondi.
During 2008, El Desafio plans to add e-learning opportunities, nutrition and sports programs in addition to renovating an abandoned room in the school that hosts its activities. Ultimately, El Desafio would like to maintain its own facilities for the many programs, theatre and arts and crafts workshops, medical assistance and communitarian farms it strives to provide for Argentinean youth.
Learn more about the El Desafio Foundation.
Over the last two years, Nike has invested $100 million worldwide in community-based sport initiatives through its Let Me Play campaign.