Welcome to Play It Forward, a charitable organization built on the belief that sports have the power to inspire, unite, and transform lives.
Founded by siblings Giorgio Vittorio and Carlotta Mela Garuzzo, Play It Forward's mission is rooted in a shared passion for sports
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Inspired to help those in need, Giorgio Vittorio and Carlotta Mela's decided to do so through the power of sports. The field they know best: Giorgio, a professional basket ball player who competed in Italy's Serie A2 while Carlotta pursued a fencing career for 7 years, which lead her all the way to Poland, and leading her school's volleyball team.
Carlotta's words:
With the aim of uplifting children around the world and giving them hope for a brighter future, we established this charity to offer support. Our goal is to build basketball courts and provide essential sports equipment, making everyday sporting activities as accessible as possible.
Giorgio’s words:
“As a professional basketball player for Reale Mutua Basket Torino in Serie A2, I have experienced firsthand how sports can shape a person, teaching discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. However, to my surprise, the most rewarding part of my journey has been seeing the spark in children’s eyes when they ask for a photo or an autograph. In those moments, I see their dreams igniting, as mine once did, and I realize that the true power of sports is to inspire and give hope. My sister, a volleyball player and former fencer, shares that same belief. She led the revival of a volleyball team at her school, creating opportunities for other girls to play the sport she loves.”
We want to give children the same hope and dreams that sports gave us.
“Play It Forward” is our way of sparking joy, fostering ambition, and lending a hand to build a brighter tomorrow through the power of play.
Building basketball courts
Building basketball courts all around the world, starting with our first planned project in Senegal, to make sporting activities a daily part of children's lives. We hope to make basketball courts accessible to all.
Collecting Sports Equipment
Gathering donations of new and used equipments, clothes, shoes etc. pertaining to a variety of sports.
Fundraising Campaigns
Raising funds from individuals and companies interested in financing the purchase of sports goods.
2024- 2025 Project
During these two years, we collected sports equipment to donate to children in need in Moldova and Italy.
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We collected roller skates, helmets, equipment for biking, tennis, soccer, swimming, volleyball, basketball, golf, and everyday sports clothes.
2026 PROJECT
Our new project is to build basketball courts all around the world. Our first court will be installed in Senegal in the spring!!
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