The Organization of American States (OAS) and Joy of Moving, Ferrero's Corporate Social Responsibility program, developed an initiative to promote inclusion, equity, and access to rights through physical activity and sports
The Organization of American States (OAS) and Joy of Moving, Ferrero's Corporate Social Responsibility program, developed an initiative to promote inclusion, equity, and access to rights through physical activity and sports
With the institutional support of the Embassy of Italy in Argentina, the event took place at the facilities of the Club Padre Carlos Múgica in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires, September 14, 2024. – As part of the cooperation agreement signed between Ferrero and the Organization of American States (OAS) to promote and implement innovative actions that help to improve access to rights for vulnerable populations in the Americas, the first activity was held at the Club Padre Carlos Múgica. The event was supported by the Embassy of Italy in Argentina, in the context of the first edition of Italian Sports Day worldwide.
The goal of the event was to promote inclusion and the development of soft skills through physical activity and play. These activities aim to enhance social skills among children and adolescents through sport and play. It also served as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of adopting a holistic approach to fostering healthy habits and their contribution to public health. Additionally, the event aimed to create partnerships with local organizations whose community work has a significant and sustainable long-term impact.
Evelina Cabrera, Goodwill Ambassador for Equity in Sport for the OAS, stated, “This activity represents the shared vision of the OAS and Ferrero to work together to create a positive social impact through sport. Sport, with its values of equity, inclusion, diversity, and participation, is a crucial vehicle for promoting and expanding rights for more people, especially among the youth.”
Laura Perdomo, Country Manager of Ferrero South Cone, highlighted, “This is the first activity in collaboration with the OAS, and we are very excited to carry it out in Buenos Aires to promote inclusion through play and sport. We firmly believe that a positive attitude towards movement and play will help today’s children become better adults in the future.”
In Argentina, the Joy of Moving program has been active since 2014 and has reached over 1,419,000 children so far, working in permanent partnership with renowned institutions to organize sports events, clinics, and academic activities.
The event included theoretical and practical training to strengthen the skills of local coaches on the Joy of Moving educational method. The method is based on four concepts that teach children about values related to friendship, family, fair play, and fun. Developed in collaboration with the University of Rome "Foro Italico," the MIUR of the Piedmont region, and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), it relies on play and movement to develop key skills in physical fitness, motor coordination, cognitive functions, and life skills. The second part of the event involved practicing games and sports activities from the Joy of Moving method with children and adolescents from the community.
In line with the OAS's human rights instruments, the activity was conducted under the principles of equality and non-discrimination, participation, transparency, and accountability, aiming to create equitable spaces that promote gender equality and respect for diversity.
Sport and physical activity are recognized as key tools for promoting social inclusion in vulnerable contexts, improving overall well-being, and developing life skills.
