TOMcase is involved in social projects for children and young people in Sri Lanka

Our commitment to social projects in Sri Lanka: Behind the white hotel beaches of this almost paradisiacal destination, one quickly encounters appalling living conditions, poverty, and drugs. Many adolescent children and young people fall victim to this addiction due to a lack of prospects. Yet, it is especially important for young people to stay on the path to a life free from crime and drugs through motivation and a sense of community.

To give children and young people a new perspective, TomCase has been involved in social projects in Sri Lanka's dance sport scene since 2016. Breakdancing, also known as breaking, is gaining increasing international recognition as an official Olympic dance sport and is inspiring Sri Lankan youth. TomCase finances the facilities for the regular workshops and also sponsors international events. Through this sponsorship, children and young people from across the country can participate in these workshops in various cities and gain insights into the nature and fundamentals of breakdancing.

Dejan Majerle, a family member of TomCase and married to a Sri Lankan woman, has been active in this dance sport worldwide for over 10 years. As a project close to his heart, he has been conducting the workshops in Sri Lanka pro bono for years and is also a supporter of an orphanage in the country. In addition to the workshops, so-called "battles" also take place. Here, the children and young people have the chance to participate in various competitions, win prize money, and even perform internationally.

Fifteen-year-old Hashan Pramoda made it in 2018 and traveled to the official Youth Olympic Qualifications in Taipei, Taiwan. This was the first time in Sri Lanka's history that a young person living in poverty was given the opportunity to gain international experience through dance sport for free. Today, Hashan appears on TV shows nationwide and is a minor celebrity in the island nation. We at TomCase are delighted to be able to support even more children and young people on their life's journey with our commitment and perspectives.

RISE AND SHINE EVENT

TomCase has been supporting the Rise and Shine event in Sri Lanka since 2017. At Rise and Shine, dancers from all over the world come together to showcase their dance skills in the breakdance and freestyle categories. Training takes place in free workshops, and volunteers from Germany, the Netherlands, and Nepal, for example, support the participants as DJs or judges.

Due to the lockdown in Sri Lanka, it is almost impossible for the dancers to earn money. To actively support these young talents, the Rise and Shine 2021 event will take place as an online battle. Participants submit a video recording of their dance skills each week, which is then evaluated by an international, volunteer jury. TomCase is sponsoring the prize money for the six top-placed dancers in the Freestyle Boys, Freestyle Girls, and Breakdance categories. All completed battles will be published on the Rise and Shine Sri Lanka Facebook page.