The Pho3nix Foundation today launched a global program to identify and assist Olympic-bound athletes in need of financial support to compete on equal footing at Tokyo 2021.
After what has been a very difficult time for athletes and sports globally in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pho3nix Athlete Program aims to support athletes from any nation in any individual Olympic sport who are already qualified or on the pathway to qualification for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. The Pho3nix Foundation will provide an even number of male and female athletes funding for training, equipment, competition, and travel expenses to ensure they arrive in Tokyo prepared to deliver their best.
Pho3nix Foundation chairman Sebastian Kulczyk has established the Pho3nix Athlete Program as part of the foundation’s aim to inspire and assist children to participate in sport and enjoy all the positive benefits that come from play. Already operating programs for thousands of children worldwide, as well as sponsoring a group of elite athletes via the Pho3nix Team, the Athlete Program broadens the scope of the foundation’s endeavours to develop and highlight stories of adversity, determination and resilience – the qualities that combine in the Foundation’s motto – ‘Together We Rise’.
The Foundation will feature the chosen athletes across their channels as they build to the Games to amplify their unique Olympic stories. Program athletes may also be included in the elite Pho3nix Team and have their efforts recognised at the annual Pho3nix Sports Awards.
The pilot search for Athlete Program athletes commenced in Poland, where the Pho3nix Foundation has supported the Olympic journey of Polish athletes for multiple Olympiads. The Foundation is headquartered in Switzerland but registered hundreds of applications within the Polish high-performance athlete community. With the opening of the application process to athletes worldwide, the Pho3nix Foundation seeks any underfunded athletes, and especially those who will most benefit from assistance on their journey to Tokyo to come forward, join the Pho3nix movement and apply for the athlete grants to ensure they can remain committed to their Olympic goals.
MANA Group CEO Chris McCormack, a Pho3nix board member and a 4-time world champion, said, “Many Olympic athletes are worthy of support, but the successful candidates for this program are those who absolutely require financial assistance to find themselves on equal footing in Tokyo. We are looking to support athletes in order to inspire young kids not just through their feats, but also for them to see that sport and training, while not always smooth sailing, impart worthy lessons and a lifestyle worth pursuing, whether you win or participate. The Olympic Games is the world’s biggest show for humanity, sportsmanship and hope, with the entire world engaged in the positivity and momentum that the Games delivers. The stories of adversity, commitment and inspiration are at the very core of the Pho3nix Foundation’s message.”
Athlete Program applications for the Tokyo Olympic cycle second intake are still being accepted. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to immediately begin the process by getting in touch with the Foundation via Direct Message on the Pho3nix Foundation Instagram account (@pho3nixfoundation) or by emailing will.mccloy@manaseg.com.
The Pho3nix Foundation is a not-for-profit with the sole purpose of assisting and inspiring children through sport. It sponsors the Pho3nix Team, an international team of elite athletes who embody the ideals of the Pho3nix: triumph over failure through revitalisation, resilience, and passion, becoming a symbol of hope and strength.
