| Investing in Young Sportsmen & Women Across the Globe |
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G4S is an international organisation with a diverse, global workforce. Uniting employees around the world in a way which is meaningful to them could be a real challenge, but we believe that we have found a way which works across the organisation.
Sport is something that everyone can relate to – it is not specific to a particular language, race, religion or gender – we don’t necessarily all like the same sport, but in general terms it can engender pride and passion in individuals.
A need to create that sense of pride and passion in G4S across the world led to the creation of the G4S 4teen programme which was launched in 2007 and supports14 aspiring young athletes from a variety of sports, based in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Depending on the individual athletes’ needs, this programme includes funding for additional training and coaching, or for competing in international events. In addition to sport-specific development, the programme also provides each of the youngsters with advice and support in life skills such as using modern technology and language skills development.
In some cases funds are used simply to alleviate some of the financial burden that is placed on them and their families while they strive to be the best they can be in their chosen sport and achieve their ambitions on the world’s largest sporting stages.
In addition to the support provided by G4S, the young athletes also have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest athletes of all time, who, like them has come from a background where it wasn’t easy to make the most of his talents. The double Olympic gold medallist and current Marathon world record holder, Haile Gebreselassie not only inspires athletes from his own country of Ethiopia, but he is an inspiration to many outside the world of sport and across the world who have seen and been touched by his remarkable story. |
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Fanuel Kenosi:
Sprinter, Botswana
“Since I became a member of G4S 4teen I can tell you that many parts of my life have changed. In order to be the best athlete I want to be, I took an opportunity to move to a training camp in Senegal. This was a hard decision for me as leaving Botswana would mean that I could no longer support my family. G4S has assisted with this and commenced a project to help my mother buy and run a shop. Now she can be sure that she has money for the family and she has a job that she likes very much, whilst I can attend this camp to further my career. Before I used to run in trainers, but G4S bought me my first pair of running spikes when I qualified for the Olympics. They have been brilliant.” |
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Haile Gebrselassie:
G4S 4teen Global Ambassador & global sporting icon
“As I know from the early years of my career, it is essential that young athletes receive the help and support they need to develop and succeed. Also the friendship, respect and understanding you get from other athletes and their cultures from being a member of such a team is invaluable. The level of commitment that G4S has shown to the members of the team is impressive and I am truly honoured to be able to play my part as the team’s global ambassador.” |
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Since the launch of the programme, each of the athletes involved with the project has achieved success in different ways and remarkably six of the 14 athletes were chosen to represent their countries in their first Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.
The G4S 4teen project is a six year project designed to inspire G4S employees across the world and to help fourteen amazing young people on the road to achieving their dreams of winning medals and breaking world records. |
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Haile Gebrselassie:
G4S 4teen Global Ambassador & global sporting icon
“I don’t think any of us could have predicted that after the first year of the programme we would have six of the 4teen athletes having been selected to compete in Beijing. I am so proud of all of the athletes – they have all worked extremely hard and have taken the first step towards their dream of competing at the highest level throughout the world.” |
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Pauline Korikwiang:
Long distance runner, Kenya
“Before I joined G4S 4teen my days were so different. G4S has given to me more privileges that I can ever imagine. I have been to so many places and met many wonderful people. G4S is helping me with other areas of my life apart from supporting my running. They changed my school so that I can be closer to where I train and have better education. They are helping my family by building them a house. They have given me assistance with my nutrition issues which means I run so much better. They have also made me my first ever birthday cake. I now want to share this and all my experiences with others, like me, who have a dream.” |
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Mangal Ho:
Archer, India
“Without the support of G4S I wouldn’t be where I am today. With the support I receive I am able to focus 100% on what it takes to be a successful archer knowing that my family and friends back home are looked after. G4S recently visited me from the UK, accompanied by a film production team from Trans World Sport which is making a number of films about the G4S 4teen project. I was honoured to host them at my village and show off the difference their support has made to me and my community.” |
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