EDP has just launched the EDP Clube Runners initiative: running clubs that aim to democratise access to professional athletics for young people between 12 and 16 years old. These clubs will open in communities with economic vulnerabilities. A professional coach will train the young people to help them gradually gain the skills needed to engage in this sports. The goal is for these teams to progressively start competing in official races such as the EDP New Generation, the race for young people that will precede the EDP Marathon of Lisbon, in October.

The first two clubs will open in Lisbon in the neighbourhoods of Cova da Moura and Zambujal, but EDP intends to extend this initiative to other communities in Portugal. These first two locations were chosen because of the social impact projects already developed by EDP, through energy efficiency measures and the donation of solar panels to local families. These initiatives are part of EDP Y.E.S. - You Empower Society, the group's global social impact programme, which brings together more than 500 social responsibility projects in different geographies, and which is now reinforced with this innovative action in sport.

Starting in the coming months, these clubs will have weekly physical conditioning and running training sessions to develop the potential of each young person, and will have the support of EDP.

Missão Continente, Continente's social responsibility brand, will also support these clubs, by donating energy food and fruit to the athletes. Missão Continente recognises the crucial importance of democratising sport in communities, reinforcing its transformative role to generate positive social impact in the projects it supports. This initiative reflects the values of Missão Continente by promoting an active lifestyle among young people, but, above all, it helps to break down socioeconomic barriers to access to sport. With its active involvement in this initiative, Missão Continente reinforces its commitment to social inclusion and the promotion of well-being in the communities where it operates.

"EDP has sought to align its brand sponsorships with its business strategy and essential pillars, and social impact is a key part of this investment. As we had already done in our support for surfing, we want our brand in national athletics to be guided by support for major official competitions, but we also intend to give tools to new generations so that they can progress in this sport. These clubs intend to democratise access to professional athletics and perhaps find the future national champions", stresses Catarina Barradas, global brand director at EDP.

This new EDP social impact initiative was unveiled at the press conference of the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, one of the most iconic events in national athletics, where EDP will be challenging participants to strengthen their commitment to the future of the planet. When they check in at the event, amateur and professional athletes will be able to sign up to show their commitment to our planet and be part of a major reforestation action that EDP will organize later in the year. If they are unable to be at the event, EDP undertakes to plant the number of trees matching the number of registrations.

Before the race, when athletes pick up their number, they will also be able to join another social responsibility initiative. EDP Donate for Tomorrow will be collecting running shoes in good condition to donate them to charities.