A children’s charity established in 2014 by rugby great Jason Leonard OBE is celebrating ten years. The Atlas Foundation is taking the opportunity to look back at the remarkable achievements made in such a short time in improving the lives, futures, and prospects of some of the world's most disadvantaged children.
Inspired by the poverty, hardship, and inequality Leonard saw during his career as a professional rugby player, the charity was created to generate lasting, sustainable, and effective outcomes. It relies on a powerful network of champions and advocates to adapt support to the specific challenges and struggles of each region, town, or community.
Impacts Achieved by The Atlas Foundation Children’s Charity
Reviewing the outcomes and volume of projects undertaken by the charity unveils an enormous amount of meaningful work contributed to by a collective of rugby stars, past and present players, coaches, and trustees who come from diverse backgrounds in policing, children's health, education, and business.
Having first been registered in 2014 and active from 2015, Leonard created the Foundation and remains Chairman, building on his long-standing philanthropic efforts. He has been a prominent supporter of numerous charities and has hosted an Annual Charity Dinner for 20 years.
The Atlas Foundation was motivated by how a love of rugby and sport could channel direct and positive action to support the poorest children in places around the world, starting with a World Cup Warriors Dinner in 2015 as the charity’s first major fundraiser, which collected over £100,000.
Since then, the Foundation has supported 219,203 children, collaborated with 47 partners, and run projects in 21 different countries, a staggering achievement considering that the charity has only been running for 10 years. In just the last year, it has also trained 1,479 coaches and young leaders to drive sustainable change in their own communities and seen 4,458 children re-enroll in school.
The Real-World Outcomes Behind the Success of The Atlas Foundation
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the charity's results is that it was founded by one person. Leonard's vision, clarity, and mission have drawn an incredible network of partners, supporters, ambassadors, volunteers, and trustees who were motivated to contribute to the cause.
From school partnerships to family-friendly fundraisers, adrenaline-fuelled sporting challenges, and grassroots rugby projects, the Foundation has worked proactively and dynamically to identify the best ways to reach communities suffering from poverty, a lack of health and education, disparities and inequality, and long-term hardship, which in many places has been present for generations.
The charity's energy, enthusiasm, and action are encapsulated by its Atlas Champions, or changemakers, who use their profile, standing, and position to share the Foundations’ work, vocalise the importance of supporting vulnerable children, attend projects and events firsthand, and suggest communities where the team can make a marked difference.
Ranging from rugby internationals, current national players, and renowned coaches, the Atlas Champions include members like Maro Itoje, a player in the English national team and British and Irish Lions. In addition to his rugby career, he holds a degree in politics and has a personal interest in human rights, gender equality, and international development.
As just one example, Itoje focuses on extending the charity's work with children across Africa, inspired by his family's heritage, which originates from Nigeria.
Reflecting on the Global Efforts of The Atlas Foundation Since 2014
Peter Scott, General Manager of The Atlas Foundation says, ‘What started as a passion project has turned into a force for good, and we couldn't be happier to think that in the last decade, our efforts have meant that over 200,000 children living in some of the harshest conditions in the world now have a brighter future, aspirations, and prospects.
A huge amount of credit is due to our international partners, from charities and schools to organisations, healthcare providers and grassroots clubs, many of whom rely on the tireless efforts of volunteers and who not only make many incredible contributions in time and effort but represent a better future as leaders in their communities.
Everybody involved in The Atlas Foundation plays an invaluable role, and it is a testament to the old adage about a team being more than the sum of its parts that we have been fortunate enough to welcome some extraordinarily experienced, talented, and knowledgeable trustees who drive our work forward with purpose and integrity.’
Jason Leonard OBE raised over £2 million for children's causes before launching The Atlas Foundation. His charity now works on almost every continent globally, supporting 20,000 children every week.
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About The Atlas Foundation
Founded by rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE, The Atlas Foundation uses rugby as a tool to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged communities around the world. By partnering with local organisations, The Atlas Foundation provides educational, health, and social development opportunities to help children thrive.
Media Contact:
Caitlin Clark
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Atlas Foundation
+44 (0)207 043 2232
Source: Digital PR
Release ID: 1378606
