Orbea, the renowned Basque bicycle manufacturer, has established the Orbea Foundation to amplify its commitment to social and environmental initiatives. This foundation aims to foster positive change through cycling, education, and community projects, aligning with Orbea’s cooperative values and long-standing community engagement. (bikeradar.com)
Foundation’s Mission and Strategic Areas
The Orbea Foundation is dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable society by supporting projects that leverage the transformative power of the bicycle. Its mission is structured around five key areas:
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Sustainable Mobility: Promoting and supporting projects that encourage sustainable mobility and decarbonization, prioritizing those where the bicycle plays a central role. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Cycling as Sport and Leisure: Supporting initiatives that promote cycling as sport and leisure—at the professional, amateur, and educational levels. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Training, Economic Activity, and Cooperativism: Supporting training and research centers, as well as business initiatives focused on bicycles and social economy models, promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental impact. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Social Justice: Backing initiatives that foster solidarity among people and communities, and that promote social justice focused on protecting the most vulnerable and those at risk of exclusion. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Cultural Heritage and the Environment: Promoting and supporting projects that preserve and develop the Basque language and culture, as well as cultural, sporting, and environmental heritage. (foundation.orbea.com)
Highlighted Initiatives
The foundation has already embarked on several impactful projects:
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Project Fearless: A non-profit organization empowering girls and young women through educational programs and group experiences that build confidence, resilience, and personal development. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Miribilla Cycling Club: A sports club promoting physical activity and active lifestyles as tools for well-being, coexistence, and social cohesion in the urban environment of Bilbao. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Puro Pirineo: An association developing and maintaining a trail network in the Benasque Valley, promoting sustainable mountain biking, heritage preservation, and active tourism. (foundation.orbea.com)
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UNICEF: Collaborating globally to protect children’s rights, ensuring access to education, healthcare, safe water, protection, and a fair, sustainable future. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Lurgaia: A foundation working to restore and preserve natural heritage by promoting biodiversity and the recovery of ecosystems through native species reforestation. (foundation.orbea.com)
Call for Collaboration
The Orbea Foundation emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful and lasting change. It invites associations, local entities, and organizations with project ideas aligned with its strategic areas to consult participation methods and submit their proposals directly on the foundation’s official website. (foundation.orbea.com)
Through these initiatives, the Orbea Foundation exemplifies its commitment to leveraging the bicycle as a catalyst for social transformation, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, striving to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.