Global Icons Unite at Inaugural Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Gala in Zurich

The first Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala took place at Zurich’s Dolder Grand on September 19, bringing together sporting legends, entertainers, and philanthropists to celebrate the power of sport to change lives.

Sprint superstar Usain Bolt, heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and cycling great Chris Froome headlined the guest list, with James Corden and broadcaster Laura Woods hosting the evening.

Recently recovered from a serious cycling crash, Froome was welcomed as a symbol of perseverance – a true Pho3nix.

Bolt, meanwhile, spoke about sport’s impact in his own journey. “The fact that the Pho3nix Foundation is doing such a good job bringing kids together and giving them a chance to do any sport they can is just brilliant to see,” he said. “Sport is so important: it has taken so many people out of poverty, including me. It changed my life.”

He added, “I want to remind every child out there to believe in yourself.”

The Gala showcased Pho3nix initiatives worldwide with ambassadors and athletes in attendance, from Olympic triathlon greats Alistair Brownlee and Nicola Spirig to rising talents like Australian bobsleigh athlete Sarah Blizzard, Swiss tennis player Flynn Thomas, and Spanish parkour athlete Ruben Roldan.

A highlight of the evening was Brownlee’s induction into the Pho3nix Extraordinary Performance Hall of Fame, honouring both his career and his efforts to inspire the next generation.

Spirig, who has led Pho3nix Kids Triathlons in Switzerland for over a decade, reflected on the movement’s growth, saying, “Even though I knew Pho3nix had come a long way, to see it all together in one evening and realise the scale and impact is truly inspiring.”

Beyond elegance and entertainment, the Gala raised vital funds to help children access sport. Guests pledged record support through a curated auction featuring rare memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and opportunities to directly back Pho3nix programs such as Pho3nix Kids Football in Africa, Pho3nix Move4Life in Asia, and the Pho3nix Athlete Program supporting future Olympians and Paralympians.

Pho3nix Foundation Chairman Sebastian Kulczyk said: “Sport has always been more than physical strength. It teaches resilience, teamwork, and courage — lessons that extend far beyond the field. For children, especially those who may feel overlooked, sport can be a lifeline. It gives them dignity, belonging, and the strength to dream.

“But dreams need support. They need us. That is why tonight matters: because every pledge and every act of generosity has the power to change a child’s life and give them the belief that they can rise.”

The next Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Gala will be held in London in November 2026, continuing the movement’s long-term mission to empower children through sport and build lasting global change.

Pho3nix Foundation CEO Wojciech Kruczynski, Pho3nix founder and philanthropist Sebastian Kulczyk, and sporting icon Usain Bolt at the inaugural Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala