FC Bayern and the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation launch partnership

FC Bayern and the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation have launched an official partnership as part of the club’s ZAM AKTIV initiative to promote physical activity. The partnership kicked off with a launch event at the FC Bayern Campus attended by around 90 school children from ZAM AKTIV partner primary schools. The partnership’s motto is “Getting children active together”. Also in attendance were mascot Berni and youth players from the FC Bayern Campus.

On behalf of FC Bayern, president Herbert Hainer thanked Regine Sixt, who founded the children’s charity over 25 years ago and is now CEO of the foundation, and Alexander Sixt “for bringing about this fruitful partnership. Together, we are managing to firmly embed sport in the everyday lives of Munich’s children. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to combating a lack of physical activity – and it’s fun, too.” Alexander Sixt, Co-CEO of SIXT SE and a board member of the Regine Sixt Kinderhilfe Foundation, explained: “Every child deserves the chance to discover their strengths, to feel they belong and to believe in their own future. Sport can achieve exactly that. It promotes health, fosters a sense of community and shows what is possible with commitment and perseverance regardless of background or social circumstances. Physical activity turns into a zest for life. Success builds self-confidence. And from this grows the courage to forge one’s own path. FC Bayern embodies these values and inspires people far beyond the world of football. We are grateful to have such a strong partner at our side, one that uses its influence to set an example for children’s futures.” FC Bayern managing director Benny Folkmann went on to explain that, thanks to the partnership, even more primary school children will be reached by ZAM AKTIV in future: “I am particularly pleased that, thanks to this partnership, we can also place a greater focus on schools with special educational needs, not only to get the children moving more, but also to develop their personalities.”

Following a welcome from Folkmann and Mr Sixt, in the presence of Francisco De Sa Fardilha (FC Bayern Women sporting director) and Michael Weiß (Chairman of Bayerische Sportjugend), the focus was on exercise, sport and team spirit, accompanied by cool music blaring from the speakers. In a varied series of station-based challenges, the children were able to demonstrate their sporting skills, tackle tasks together and get to know the FC Bayern Campus up close. It wasn’t just sporting ability that was required, but also mutual support and teamwork. FC Bayern mascot Berni was a huge hit with the children there. Another special highlight was the presence of Laila Portella from the women’s team and the two U17 players, Thibault Maspimby and Deni Zubovic, who took part in the competition themselves. Together with the children, they completed the stations, competed in the various disciplines and cheered on the teams as they vied for the best results.

In partnership with the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation, FC Bayern aims to provide primary school-aged children with simple and motivating access to exercise and sport. This is not just about sporting activity, but also about values such as community, fairness and the joy of being active. Through its ZAM AKTIV programme, the German record champions are active in up to 50 educational establishments in Munich. Through a wide range of activities, children are given the opportunity to exercise regularly and to experience sport as an integral part of their everyday lives. The Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation works worldwide to improve the living conditions of children and young people. The partnership with FC Bayern combines this commitment with the aim of inspiring children to take an interest in physical activity from an early age and promoting their personal development.

At the end of the competition, all the children received certificates and prizes. During the prize-giving ceremony that morning, the focus was above all on the shared experience. With plenty of joy, energy and team spirit, the pupils had made the kick-off a successful start to the new partnership. So, at the FC Bayern Campus, it wasn’t just the start of a collaboration that was celebrated. Above all, it became clear that exercise is even more fun when done together.