A Sporting Summer – Breaking Down Barriers for a Brighter Future

• Posted on Aug 12, 2024
• In Industry News, Global Citizenship, The Olympics, Arton Capital

Boundaries are meant to be broken. On and off the field.

We are currently lucky enough to be in the midst of a breathtaking summer of sport. After barely catching our breath from the mesmerising global talent showcased at the European Championship, we’ve headed straight into the hugely anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which promises rich and diverse sporting genius from around the world.

As nations come together to celebrate athletic excellence and human achievement, the influence of migration and mobility on the modern sports landscape is undeniable.

At Arton Capital, we’re delighted to see how mobility has become increasingly intrinsic to a successful team – in both domestic and international tournaments. The Olympics as well as ‘The Beautiful Game’ continue to highlight what can be achieved when borders are torn down rather than erected. Albania, for example, at the Euros boasted 18 players born in other countries.

The Olympic Games in Paris is perhaps the most important platform for uncovering new sporting talent, often in the most unlikely of places. Yusra Mardini’s story is a powerful example of the transformative power of mobility. As a Syrian refugee, she competed under the Olympic flag in Rio as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. Her remarkable journey from fleeing conflict to becoming an Olympic swimmer has inspired countless individuals around the world – At the Paris Games, Boxer Cindy Ngamba made history by becoming the first athlete competing as a refugee to clinch a medal.  We were honoured to welcome Yusra as an ambassador at Global Citizen Forum last year, underscoring our commitment to fostering a more open and prosperous tomorrow. And, with GCF and Arton Capital’s sponsorship of an Olympian in partnership with the Yusra Mardini Foundation, this commitment to a brighter future continues.

The recent European Championships, which culminated with Spain’s well-deserved victory, was another example of sporting strength through unity. Football has a long and storied history of allowing the world’s most talented to travel freely to the countries and continents where they can make the most of their skill. Eder, the man who scored Portugal’s winning goal against France in the final of the 2016 Euros was actually born in Guinea-Bissau. Clarence Seedorf, the triple Champions League-winning Dutch midfielder was born in Suriname.

Talented players past and present are undeniably the product of mobility. The Olympics is no different. Consider Kenyan-born Wilson Kipketer, who represented Denmark and broke multiple world records in middle-distance running, or Kenaz Kaniwete, born in Fiji and representing Kiribati, who became the youngest athlete to compete in the track and field events in France this year. Kaylia Nemour is another global citizen who stands out. The French-born Algerian gymnast won gold on the uneven bars in Paris and became the first gymnast representing an African nation to win an Olympic medal. At Arton Capital, we strive to replicate this model, breaking down barriers for talented individuals, so they too can thrive regardless of their birthplace.

Sport is global, with exciting talents found across every continent. When football teams have the opportunity to incorporate overseas players, they can tap into a diverse pool of skills and styles. Stars like Lionel Messi and Vinicius Jr., who moved from Argentina and Brazil to Spain at a young age, illustrate the positive impact of cross-border mobility on the sport. They brought South American flair to Europe and took tiki taka back to their national teams in South America. This infusion of talent makes competitions better. Teams can integrate world-class talents who may have developed their skills in different environments, creating more dynamic and competitive matches as a result. If we want to see the world’s most talented players succeed, we need to make sure that future stars from Costa Rica to Cameroon can find a suitable country to shine in, unhindered by cynical migration policies. For those whose talents lie in business rather than in football, the acquisition of a new residency or citizenship through Arton Capital is an accessible route toward finding a place to shine, throwing open the door to limitless opportunities overseas.

Whatever industry you work in, whatever sport you compete in, whether you are a javelin-thrower or an entrepreneur, we need to make it easier, not harder, for talent to cross borders. Accessibility is key, levelling the playing field to reduce regional inequalities and open the door to opportunities for the next generation of talent. In sport, this means creating pathways that allow promising athletes to access top-tier training facilities, world-class coaching, and competitive structures irrespective of their nationality. By doing so, we do not just enhance the quality of the sport but also foster a spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange.

By facilitating the movement of talent and ideas across borders in fields as various as sport, technology, education, and business, we can catalyse innovation and growth on a global scale. Just as sport thrives on the diversity of its athletes, our global society can benefit immensely from embracing and supporting talent regardless of origin, driving progress and unity worldwide.

We believe in the transformative power of global citizenship. Through Arton Capital’s services, we enable individuals to unlock opportunities worldwide, breaking down barriers and fostering a more connected, prosperous world. Our programs provide access to residency and citizenship options that open doors to education, business, and lifestyle benefits, much like how open borders in sport have allowed stars to shine more brightly on the world stage. Join us in championing a future where mobility and diversity are celebrated, ensuring that the next generation can achieve their dreams, both on and off the field. Join us and become a global citizen.