Deutsche Telekom becomes founding partner of Esports Player Foundation

Telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom is now a founding partner of the Esports Player Foundation.

The not-for-profit foundation aims to further develop esports by promoting positive values and inspire role models in Germany.

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The Esports Player Foundation will seek to enable players to start a career in esports responsibly, supporting the likes of career planning, scholarships, fitness training, and nutritional advice.

Stephan Althoff, Head of Group Sponsoring at Deutsche Telekom discussed the venture in a release: “We offer players the opportunity to develop themselves in the best network with the best technology. At the same time, we enable young, talented people to live their dreams responsibly.”

There are hopes that the foundation will strengthen Germany as an esports location internationally. Currently, the city of Cologne hosts ESL One Cologne and gamescom, two big annual events in the esports and gaming calendar. The nation recently announced the inception of an esports-dedicated visa, too.

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Joerg Adami, Co-founder of the Esports Player Foundation stated: “With Telekom, a strong partner is committed to our initiative. Together we want to impart positive values ​​to young people and young adults. This includes teamwork, motivation and fair play. We also want to promote intercultural cooperation.”

Deutsche Telekom has been the main sponsor and technology partner of SK Gaming since 2018, though it acquired a 25 percent stake in the German organisation last December.

The telecoms company also offers workshops for young people and adults under the name Responsible Gaming, through which experts in gaming and media educators explain how to handle esports responsibly.

Esports Insider says: Deutsche Telekom has been increasing its esports presence over the last few months and this latest partnership has a strong domestic focus. Bringing esports into the ‘mainstream’ audience is important and having a big brand behind the Esports Player Foundation should help it cement its legitimacy in the eyes of many.

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