During the break before the last final block of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Grand Slam 2023, the aisles of the stadium resonated with "Oh! Ah! Wooaaaooooh!" A group of forty young girls were guided behind the scenes of the event. They were thus able to discover how everything works and meet everyone who pilots the great machine of a World Judo Tour event.

These young girls were not chosen at random. They are part of an original programme launched by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, 'White Suits Girls.' Azercell Telekom, in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, has launched this new project, a campaign which aims to encourage girls to participate in sport and foster their development.

The social campaign linked with the White Suits Girls aims to promote sport, combat skills and self-confidence within society in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on teenage girls. Additionally, it calls upon society to support the development of young people in this endeavor.

The idea is to encourage girls to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing, move forward confidently into the future, engage in judo and represent the country in international sporting arenas. This social project also addresses the pertinent issue of early marriage, which is relevant both nationally and globally.

Accompanied by members of the national team, the group met with Neil Adams and Sheldon Franco Rooks, the voices of https://judotv.com/, as well as Florin Daniel Lascau, IJF Head Refereeing Director, and many more. The “Ohs and aahs” were not fake. They were inspired by the logistical and human dimension of the competition, they were the proof that everything is possible and that all girls around the world should dream of a bright future where everyone has equal chances.

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