03.09.2025

On the eve of the new school year, the students of Solnyshko, the Center for Supporting Children in Difficult Life Situations, spent a bright and inspiring sports day together with the professional basketball players of the Irbis Alatau club.

Thirty children took part in the sports day; they were divided into age groups and, together with the players, had a program full of fun: from warm-ups and relays to friendly matches and skill-building mini-games. On the court, there was an atmosphere of team spirit and mutual support: the children learned the basics of basketball and found new friends among professional athletes.

“For the Irbis Alatau team, participation in the children’s celebration is an excellent opportunity not only to teach children the fundamentals of basketball but also to charge them with the energy of success of our renowned players,” said Evgeny Bulatov, director of the basketball club, which in 2024 became the champion of Kazakhstan in the National League. “We believe that such meetings inspire children to set big goals and confidently move toward achieving them both in sports and in life.”

The event was organized by the AYALA Charitable Foundation with the support of the Herbalife company — the world’s No.1 brand in weight management and healthy lifestyle[1].

“It is important for us to give children new skills, faith in themselves, the joy of socializing and the sense of support. Today is an example of how sport unites and inspires, creating a solid foundation for the future of children,” emphasized Igor Goncharov, Head of Business Development of Herbalife for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. He noted that within the framework of the Casa Herbalife charitable program, which is financed by donations from Independent Herbalife Partners, more than 200,000 children received assistance worldwide last year.

The sports day ended with a balanced lunch in a festive atmosphere. Souvenirs, new emotions, and a group photo will preserve warm memories for a long time among all participants of the sports celebration. Such a social partnership of business, a charitable organization, and sport creates an excellent basis for positive changes in the lives of children who find themselves in difficult life situations.

[1] Source: Euromonitor International Limited; according to Consumer Health 2025, in the category of products for weight management and healthy lifestyle; total % share of retail sales in value terms by global brand owners, data for 2024