This organization, which connects realities such as Senegal and the region of Lleida, primarily aims to foster equal opportunities. The presentation of the new delegation in the capital of Segrià precedes a significant event scheduled for this Saturday in the Cappont neighborhood (Doctora Castells), where street sports activities will be organized with the participation of about a hundred people.
The association's name, Initché, means 'thank you' in Bambara, and it was founded two years ago with the mission of promoting equality through football and basketball. Its president, Iñigo Villafranca, highlights the dual aspect of the initiative. In Senegal, specifically in Sédhiou, it manages a football and basketball school that currently serves approximately 450 children and young people aged between 4 and 16. Of these, 350 participate in the football school, which already has two competing teams (U-13 and U-15), while a hundred practice basketball.
“"The objective is to break this invisible barrier that separates people of different origins, genders, and ages."
This international work is complemented by local action in Ponent, where Initché develops integration and social cohesion projects in collaboration with various clubs. The association also facilitates access to federated sports, as many families cannot afford registration fees. To address this, it offers scholarships and agreements with sports entities.
In the province of Lleida, the number of beneficiaries has significantly increased. This season, the association has doubled the number of children receiving scholarships at the Les Garrigues Football School, from seven to fourteen. Furthermore, it is negotiating agreements with clubs such as Hiopos Lleida, CF Pardinyes, and CB Mollerussa to ensure that more young people can participate in sports with fees adapted to their family situations.
