Fundación Xcalibur, whose mission is to promote and support the education of children, youth, and women in vulnerable situations, using sports, training, and culture as motivational tools, has signed a strategic agreement with Real Madrid Foundation and I&M Bank, for the consolidation and expansion of the Naguru Social Sports School in Uganda, with a view to extending the project to other schools.
This agreement will enable the expansion of the positive impact of the social sports school. The initiative’s primary goal is the holistic development of children through sport, contributing to improved physical and mental well-being, as well as fostering values such as solidarity, respect and teamwork.
THE PARTICIPATION OF MORE THAN 280 CHILDREN AND THE INDIRECT BENEFIT FOR 700 FAMILY MEMBERS REFLECT THE TRUE IMPACT OF THIS INITIATIVE
For the smooth operation of this initiative, Fundación Xcalibur will be responsible for the on-ground implementation of the project, and allocating the funds received from I&M Bank, to cover the programme’s operational costs. Real Madrid Foundation will ensure the proper application of its methodology, by providing training and monitoring the coaches involved in the programme.
I&M Bank is mandated to contribute to the growth of the project, and enabling more children to benefit from the initiative.
Since 2022, Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation have collaborated at the Naguru Social Sports School, a project that has impacted over 280 participants, and positively affected more than 700 families and community members.
With the support, guidance, and daily efforts of a local partner and key stakeholder- Youth Sport Uganda, the project—now in its third cycle—has achieved remarkable results.
This has been achieved through sports activities, workshops, home visits, and a menstrual hygiene programme, that has supported girls’ participation in sports, reduced incidences of depression and anxiety among children, improved interpersonal relationships, and improved menstrual hygiene awareness, among other positive outcomes.
Javier Lezcano, the Executive Director of Fundación Xcalibur, remarks: “At the Foundation, we are enthusiastic and motivated to continue the mission we have been carrying out in Uganda through this expansion. Having such influential partners in the sporting and financial sectors, with a strong social and human vision, is an honour and can serve as an example for other organisations to take a step to contribute and support international development cooperation”.
I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to create long-term, sustainable change in underserved communities.
“As a people-centred bank, we’re committed to making a real difference in the communities around us. This partnership is about supporting the next generation and providing opportunities for growth, education, and inclusion for all,” Bairstow added.
Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, highlighted that this collaboration goes beyond traditional support, as it aims to address key community needs, and to uplift the next generation.
“By partnering with Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation, we’re playing our part in giving children the chance to grow through education, sports, and community programmes that help them thrive,” Nakiyaga said.
Julio González Ronco, Managing Director of Real Madrid Foundation, adds that this new alliance “allow us to reach even more children in need, offering them a safe space where they can enjoy sports while learning essential values that shapes their future.”
