World Children’s Day 2023: FC Schalke 04 Invites to Special Royal Blue Action Week
“Every child needs a future!” – is the motto of this year’s World Children’s Day on 20 September. A message that FC Schalke 04 wholeheartedly endorses. The club has always been committed to promoting talent and equal opportunities for young people through its own foundation, Schalke hilft! (helps). This commitment will be intensified in a Königsblauen (Royal Blue) action week, which will take place from 16 to 23 September, with inspiring and empowering offers for children and young people from the region.
The World Children’s Day at Schalke is also a sign of the responsibility of the Königsblauen for the people in the region. Current studies show that an alarming 42% of children and young people in Gelsenkirchen, Germany live below the poverty line. In the latter aspect, this makes the city of a thousand fires, unfortunately amongst the leaders in Germany. Educational inequality is a critical problem in Gelsenkirchen in particular, with children from low-income households often having significantly poorer educational opportunities, and thus career opportunities.
“Sport is of elementary importance, especially for children from poorer backgrounds, to create positive experiences in the physical, psychological and social areas of their development. The children in Gelsenkirchen look up to FC Schalke 04, so we very much welcome the fact that the club is aware of its responsibility and charisma.”
Andrea Henze, City Councillor and Board Member for labour and social affairs, health and consumer protection of the city of Gelsenkirchen
“Due to the high level of identification of the people living here with S04, we see it as our duty to also enable the youngest amongst our fans and members to participate in club life. In times of climate change, a global pandemic and several political conflicts in the world, we must also live up to our responsibility and strengthen the development opportunities of children and young people in Gelsenkirchen.”
Sebastian Buntkirchen, Fans & Sustainability Director
That is why the S04 also wants to be particularly committed to the wishes and needs of young people in the club and beyond. The first three exciting and varied activities around World Children’s Day have already been decided. There are no limits to the kids’ imaginations, with the activities specially tailored to their respective age groups.
In an S04 painting competition, the young fans can discover their artistic vein or live it out in greater depth.
The big graffiti workshop will be similarly creative, giving places on Berger Feld a new, more youthful look.
The well-known cabin talk initiative will also be relaunched for the young target group, so that two Schalke professionals will be within reach.
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
