Lumbini: The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) officially launched the Panda Pack Sports Kit project in Nepal, donated by Alibaba Philanthropy, during the Lumbini International Peace Festival reception dinner. This initiative aims to foster the Olympic spirit among Nepali youths by promoting unity, friendship, fair competition, and the pursuit of excellence.
The launch event was attended by Honorable Badri Pandey, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal; Honorable Chen Song, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal; and Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board.
At the donation ceremony, Zou Zhiqiang, Country Director of CFRD’s Nepal Office, handed over a donation plaque for 1,500 sports kits—valued at 1.5 million RMB (approximately 28 million Nepalese Rupees)—to Mr. Jeevan Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee. This donation will benefit 200 government schools across Nepal, supporting the development of sports activities for primary and secondary school students.
Director Zou Zhiqiang introduced the contents of each sports kit, which include soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, table tennis paddles and balls, badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, jump ropes, a portable air pump, training cones, training vests, frisbees, and whistles. She stated, “We hope that these sports kits will inspire Nepalese youth to develop a love for sports, emphasize the importance of physical education within Nepal’s overall education system, and support the Nepal Olympic Committee in promoting the Olympic spirit among primary and secondary school students. Additionally, we hope these kits will create more opportunities for sports instruction and activities in Nepalese schools, contributing to the growth of physical education and cultivating future talents with healthy bodies and positive spirits for Nepal.”
Jeevan Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation from Alibaba Philanthropy and CFRD, stating: “This valuable gift will significantly enhance the development of youth sports in Nepal. Sports play a crucial role in fostering the overall growth of young people, helping to shape resilience, teamwork skills, and a commitment to excellence. The support from Alibaba Philanthropy and CFRD not only provides essential resources for Nepalese schools but also strengthens the friendly ties between China and Nepal. We look forward to continued collaboration with CFRD to further advance sports development in Nepal.”
On March 21, CFRD officials visited 10 government schools located near the Nepal-India border in Lumbini, distributing 60 sports kits that will benefit nearly 6,000 students. This initiative aimed to provide young people in the border region with greater opportunities to participate in sports, promoting the expansion and accessibility of physical education. In addition to distributing the sports kits, CFRD also organized a series of sports competitions and exchange activities, including football friendly matches, basketball skill challenges, jump rope competitions, and team-building games. Students actively participated, demonstrating their enthusiasm, energy, and team spirit throughout the events.
During the Lumbini International Peace Festival marathon, organized by the Nepal Olympic Committee on March 22, CFRD distributed running bags featuring the logos of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Nepal Olympic Committee to participating students from Lumbini government schools. The Alibaba Philanthropy logo on the bags not only represents corporate support but also symbolizes Chinese society’s contribution to global public welfare. These running bags serve as both encouragement for Nepali youth in their sporting pursuits and a gesture of warmth and care from Alibaba “Goods for Good” Merchants, further enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both nations.
In 2019, CFRD and Alibaba Philanthropy jointly launched the International Panda Pack Project, aimed at supporting primary school students in underdeveloped areas of developing countries. By the end of 2024, the project had benefited more than 270,000 students in over 2,000 government schools across 70 districts in Nepal.
In 2024, the project was expanded with the introduction of the “Sports Kit” and plans to host a series of cultural exchange activities to further strengthen the bonds between China and partner countries. As part of CFRD’s mission to provide education and resources to community schools, the project aims to inspire students to actively participate in sports, develop essential life skills, and cultivate qualities that benefit both athletic and personal growth. By promoting teamwork and perseverance, the initiative seeks to instill a lasting sporting spirit in young people, laying the foundation for a healthier and more active future.
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