On 30 April 2025, BritCham Indonesia, the most active foreign Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, hosted the return of Giving Kids a Sporting Chance (GKSC), a long-standing community initiative.
GKSC brought together more than 100 children aged 8-15 years from challenged backgrounds for a fun, active day of sports and learning at the British School Jakarta. Underscoring the importance of inclusion, encouragement, and inspiration for next generation youths, the highlight was a football clinic led by pro coaches from Manchester City Soccer Schools, along with an appearance by Ibu Dr. Sri Wahyuni, S.T., M.Sc., Deputy for Sports Culture Development at the Kemenpora.
Originally co-instated in 2008 by BritCham CEO Chris Wren from an earlier vision in 2007, as part of a commitment to community engagement, GKSC has now been ongoing for 18 years. BritCham continues to be the only foreign chamber of commerce in Indonesia with a community identity as enduringly distinct, affirming it as a changemaker beyond a business network.
The event was made possible through the support of BritCham membership partners who share the same vision for youth empowerment, featuring: ABE UK, Acclime, Allied, Bhumi Varta Technology, British School Jakarta, British Council, Blue Bird, Decorient, Finna Food, Forest Carbon, Fortuna Massif Indonesia, HSBC, Institute of Risk Management, PT Jakarta Land, MAP Active, Sports Direct, PZ Cussons, and Unilever. Thanks to them, the children left with gift bags including educational tools, sports gear and healthy treats.
Recognition of concerning national statistics is the root motivation behind GKSC. Not only do less than 12% of Indonesia’s 439,000 schools have adequate sports facilities, but the 2022 National Sports Index (SDI) also revealed that only 30.93% of the population actively engages in sports. As such, BritCham looks to give children access and opportunities to engage in physical activity—reigniting their enthusiasm for movement and promoting the many emotional, health and developmental benefits of sports.
“The importance of physical activity from an early age cannot be overstated,” said Ibu Dr. Sri Wahyuni, S.T., M.Sc, noting the golden age of child development —ages 0–5 and 5–17— to be greatly influenced by physical movement. “When we are able to optimise physical activity, we also enhance emotional and cognitive development.”
For more information, visit britcham.or.id/event/britcham-giving-kids-a-sporting-chance-2025.
