A Collective Impact that Transcends Borders
World Youth Clubs' Global Ambassadors utilize their networks, visibility, and influence to advance WYC’s mission, becoming powerful advocates for youth empowerment. By lending their voices, they engage diverse audiences, attract essential resources, and elevate the profile of Affiliate Clubs. Their efforts in raising awareness and inspiring collective support are vital to enhancing WYC’s capacity to create meaningful change in the lives of young people across the globe.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns of the N.Y. Knicks is a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year. After playing one year at the University of Kentucky, Karl was selected as the first overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He quickly became the face of the franchise, leading his team to the playoffs three times. In January 2024 Karl scored a franchise-record 62 points in a game, which was also a career high. He came to the Knicks in October 2024.
On the court, Karl is a fierce competitor and one of the most dominant players in the game. Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist.
In 2022 Karl became a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs. One of his first trips in this role was to the Dominican Republic, to visit WYC’s first Affiliate there, GO Ministries/GO Sports. After seeing the existing facilities and meeting with the staff and kids, Karl announced he will honor the memory of his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, by providing major funding for a state-of-the-art youth sports training facility. The complex will provide unparalleled access to coaching, physical therapy, recreational opportunities and educational resources, reflecting the values of faith and family, sacrifice and hard work that Karl's mother instilled in him.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project embodies Karl’s commitment to giving back to his mother’s homeland. “I wanted to bring the type of resources that we have in the U.S. to kids in the D.R., and provide them the opportunity to have the best equipment and the best chances possible to not only make money for their family but also pursue their dreams,” he stated, ensuring his mother’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In addition to his work with WYC, Karl is well known for his generosity and active support for many charitable organizations. He received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2021 for his support for homeless youths, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award in 2024. He is an active supporter of HopeKids, an organization that provides support for families who have a child with cancer or other life-threatening medical condition. In March of 2020, he made a major donation to the Mayo Clinic to develop a test to rapidly detect COVID-19. He has also generously supported public schools in his native New Jersey as well as Minneapolis.
Karl's business partnerships include Nike, Gatorade, Fanatics, Peloton, Postmark, Banreservas, Beats by Dre, 2K Sports, Cue Health, ASUS, State Farm, Panini and more.
Karl is also a voice actor for the animated series "Velma," which debuted on HBO Max in January 2023, and he has appeared in several films including National Champions, What Men Want, Netflix’s High Flying Bird, and Disney’s Big City Greens.
On the court, Karl is a fierce competitor and one of the most dominant players in the game. Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist.
In 2022 Karl became a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs. One of his first trips in this role was to the Dominican Republic, to visit WYC’s first Affiliate there, GO Ministries/GO Sports. After seeing the existing facilities and meeting with the staff and kids, Karl announced he will honor the memory of his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, by providing major funding for a state-of-the-art youth sports training facility. The complex will provide unparalleled access to coaching, physical therapy, recreational opportunities and educational resources, reflecting the values of faith and family, sacrifice and hard work that Karl's mother instilled in him.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project embodies Karl’s commitment to giving back to his mother’s homeland. “I wanted to bring the type of resources that we have in the U.S. to kids in the D.R., and provide them the opportunity to have the best equipment and the best chances possible to not only make money for their family but also pursue their dreams,” he stated, ensuring his mother’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In addition to his work with WYC, Karl is well known for his generosity and active support for many charitable organizations. He received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2021 for his support for homeless youths, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award in 2024. He is an active supporter of HopeKids, an organization that provides support for families who have a child with cancer or other life-threatening medical condition. In March of 2020, he made a major donation to the Mayo Clinic to develop a test to rapidly detect COVID-19. He has also generously supported public schools in his native New Jersey as well as Minneapolis.
Karl's business partnerships include Nike, Gatorade, Fanatics, Peloton, Postmark, Banreservas, Beats by Dre, 2K Sports, Cue Health, ASUS, State Farm, Panini and more.
Karl is also a voice actor for the animated series "Velma," which debuted on HBO Max in January 2023, and he has appeared in several films including National Champions, What Men Want, Netflix’s High Flying Bird, and Disney’s Big City Greens.
"I feel so fortunate to be able to give back and be involved in my community. I’m thrilled to be able to provide opportunities to young people to help them realize their potential."
Karl Anthony Towns' involvement will open doors for youth who might otherwise miss such opportunities, fostering a new generation of leaders and champions in the Dominican Republic.
Achok Majak
Achok brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to fostering positive change, perfectly aligning with WYC's mission to empower youth globally. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Achok has been the face of prestige brands such as Gucci, Tiffany, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Pandora and many other fashion powerhouses.
Her philanthropic efforts focus on providing educational resources and opportunities to underprivileged communities. She also advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among youth of color, to reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for those facing challenges.
A World Youth Clubs Global Ambassador, Achok also actively supports various nonprofit initiatives, including organizing fundraising events and leveraging her platform to inspire others in the fashion industry to engage in charitable endeavors.
Her philanthropic efforts focus on providing educational resources and opportunities to underprivileged communities. She also advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among youth of color, to reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for those facing challenges.
A World Youth Clubs Global Ambassador, Achok also actively supports various nonprofit initiatives, including organizing fundraising events and leveraging her platform to inspire others in the fashion industry to engage in charitable endeavors.
"It's about igniting youth all over the world"
Thank you, Lewis Richardson, you are a perfect role model for young people and we are so proud to have you as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs! Well done!
Lewis Richardson
Lewis Richardson is an accomplished English boxer who joined World Youth Clubs as a Global Ambassador in late 2024. Born in Colchester, England in 1997, Richardson's journey from local youth club member to Olympic medalist exemplifies the transformative power of community organizations.
Richardson's boxing career began as a way to maintain fitness while playing football. After winning the 2012 National School Boy Championships, he dedicated himself exclusively to boxing. Selected for Team GB in 2018, he overcame significant setbacks including three stress fractures in his back that same year.
His perseverance led to impressive achievements, including gold medals at the 2018 GB Championships and 2019 Olympic Test Event, a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Richardson's career reached new heights at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he secured a bronze medal in the 71 kg boxing category.
Having grown up as a youth club member in Colchester, Richardson was officially welcomed as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs in December 2024 during a special occasion at Madison Square Garden, hosted by fellow WYC Ambassador Karl-Anthony Towns. "I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!” says Richardson.
As a Global Ambassador, his personal journey from youth club member to Olympic medalist makes him an authentic advocate for the organization's mission to create positive impacts on children's lives globally.
Richardson's boxing career began as a way to maintain fitness while playing football. After winning the 2012 National School Boy Championships, he dedicated himself exclusively to boxing. Selected for Team GB in 2018, he overcame significant setbacks including three stress fractures in his back that same year.
His perseverance led to impressive achievements, including gold medals at the 2018 GB Championships and 2019 Olympic Test Event, a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Richardson's career reached new heights at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he secured a bronze medal in the 71 kg boxing category.
Having grown up as a youth club member in Colchester, Richardson was officially welcomed as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs in December 2024 during a special occasion at Madison Square Garden, hosted by fellow WYC Ambassador Karl-Anthony Towns. "I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!” says Richardson.
As a Global Ambassador, his personal journey from youth club member to Olympic medalist makes him an authentic advocate for the organization's mission to create positive impacts on children's lives globally.
"I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!"
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)