A grant with purpose
The Genuine Cup, an international soccer tournament for athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism, is set to convene participants from 50 nations in Houston for its third edition. Organizers say the event blends competition with cultural exchange, offering players a chance to experience the city’s landmarks, including a visit to NASA.
The Grundfos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Denmark‑based pump manufacturer, announced a $100,000 grant to fund the tournament. The contribution underscores the foundation’s long‑standing commitment to inclusion, following a previous $58,000 award to Royal ISD for music programs.
T.J. Howard, an electromechanical technician at Grundfos, teamed with colleague Rocio Sanchez Jolivette to draft the grant proposal, emphasizing the importance of supporting neurodiverse communities. Their work reflects a broader pattern of employee engagement that extends beyond financial donations.
Ignacio "Nacho" Torres, founder of Houston‑based Tricon Energy, accepted the grant check from Ansell Sims, U.S. president for Grundfos, highlighting his role as the tournament’s driving force. Torres has championed opportunities for athletes with disabilities, leveraging his energy sector background to amplify the event’s reach.
Employees have turned the grant into a hands‑on initiative, organizing scrimmages, fundraising activities and direct involvement on the field. A recent match featured a friendly contest between a Danish side, FC Copenhagen, and a local team, showcasing the tournament’s global spirit.
Future ambitions
Looking ahead, organizers aim to expand the tournament’s scale and deepen its impact, hoping to replicate the model in other regions. Howard praised Torres for his leadership, noting that the partnership illustrates how corporate philanthropy can translate into tangible community benefits.