Zurich, December 19, 2016. The Adecco Group, the world’s leading provider of workforce solutions, has just launched its 2017 Win4Youth programme. In its eighth year, Win4Youth has raised over €2 million for various foundations across the world that aim to give children a better start in life. This year’s godfather is Swiss cyclist, multiple World and double Olympic champion, Fabian Cancellara.  

The Win4Youth programme involves The Adecco Group’s employees, associates and clients in more than 60 countries. For all kilometres that they swim, cycle or run, The Adecco Group makes a donation to youth development programmes at six carefully selected foundations (see list at the foot of this release). The Adecco Group employees also volunteer at the foundations, helping them in daily operations and learning first-hand how Win4Youth supports their work.

Win4Youth demonstrates the motivational power of sport. Team spirit, competing against peers across the world, and the chance to take part in events with an elite global sports star, has turned Win4Youth into one of The Adecco Group’s most successful CSR initiatives. In 2017, a record goal is set to achieve 4.3 million kilometres through swimming, cycling or running.

Fabian Cancellara, the ‘godfather’ of Win4Youth 2017, is a former Swiss cyclist and double Olympic gold medallist. He is one of the great European cyclists of his generation, having won multiple world championships and one day classics, and remains wildly popular with fans for his commitment and unconventional racing style, earning him the nickname ‘Spartacus’. Fabian will take part in several Win4Youth events and in the grand finale, the Gavà Triathlon close to Sitges, Spain in September 2017. Previous Win4Youth godparents include Kim Clijsters, Eddy Merckx, and Alex Zanardi.

Fabian Cancellara said: “Win4Youth is a fantastic programme, helping people across the world who have struggled to find work because of their age, background, disability or other factors. I am truly honoured that The Adecco Group have asked me to be godfather for the programme. I will do everything I can to encourage everyone involved – from employees, to clients and associates – to take part and give their all to this great initiative.”

Shanthi Flynn, Chief HR Officer at The Adecco Group, said: “The continued success of Win4Youth is one of our proudest achievements. Beneficiaries are six foundations around the world that help children in need, which aligns with our commitment to helping young people get the best possible start in life. I am amazed by the dedication and camaraderie generated through the power of sport at The Adecco Group. I am confident that we can break our record and reach 4.3 million kilometres in 2017!”

The six foundations supported by Win4Youth 2017 are:

Japan Ashinaga:
The Tohoku Rainbow Project www.ashinaga.org/en/

New Zealand
Graeme Dingle Foundation www.dinglefoundation.org.nz/stars

Career Navigator program www.dinglefoundation.org.nz/careernavigator
 

UK
Macmillan Cancer Support Working through cancel Programme www.macmillan.org.uk

North America
Take Stock in Children www.takestockduval.org

France
EPIDE Etablissement pour l’insertion dans l’emploi www.epide.fr 

Finland
The Children and Youth Foundation (CYF) www.nuori.fi/en/