Yingli Green Energy’s success continues with the formation of the company’s US nationwide Powering Advancement with Solar and Soccer (PASS) programme. The initiative combines the financial and educational benefits of a solar power system donation with the active lifestyle benefits of soccer.
To kick-off the PASS program, Yingli and US Soccer inaugurated a 5kW solar energy system at the KIPP DC WILL Academy public charter school in Washington's Shaw neighbourhood. Members of the US Men's National Team, Maurice Edu and Oguchi Onyewu, led a soccer skills clinic for students to help empower the school's growing soccer program.
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Yingli also brought the 2014 FIFA World Cup Winner's Trophy to the school as part of its global sponsorship with FIFA. The Estadio do Maracanã, Brazil, host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, will also benefit from Yingli’s support with the company teaming up with Light ESCO, EDF Energy and Rio de Janeiro State.
“We believe there are two never-ending resources in every community around the world – the power of the sun, and the power of play. We're proud to help bring the two together at the KIPP DC campus and to launch the PASS program.
“We're hopeful this initiative will provide a platform to help effect positive change in the lives of underserved communities across the US.” said Helena Kimball, head of marketing for Yingli.
“We believe in leaving a lasting legacy for future generations and we thank our partners – US Soccer, KIPP DC, and Standard Solar – for taking this first step with us,” Kimball added.
The solar energy system donated by Yingli will become part of the KIPP school's curriculum, which will be installed by Rockville-based Standard Solar. A special computer “dashboard” screen will let students monitor the energy their Yingli Solar system will create, as well as overall electricity use at the school.
“KIPP kids will be part of the system from day one,” said Tony Clifford, chief executive officer of Standard Solar, which will install the solar system at no cost to the school. “Solar energy systems like this give schools a unique hands-on opportunity to teach students about renewable energy.”
The KIPP DC WILL Academy serves more than 300 students in grades five through eight. Helping kids to understand the importance of healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices, both on and off campus, is an important and growing part of KIPP DC's year-round program.
“We're thrilled to have solar be part of our curriculum and our everyday school life from the classrooms and our gym to the soccer field,” said Kate Finley, Principal, KIPP DC: WILL Academy. “After all, giving our kids the power to learn is key to our approach and even our name – Knowledge Is Power Program.”