Football has an undeniable way of bringing people together, but at the 19th Ascent Corporate Cup, Bangladesh’s premier corporate football tournament, it brought opportunity to a group of young dreamers. On July 11, 2026, Thrive had the honor of being named the beneficiary of the Ascent Legacy Match, a beloved philanthropic tradition highlighting how sport can be a transformative hope-giving force. Through this partnership, 16 boys from Thrive’s GLP Gabtoli school stepped off their usual grounds and onto an international-standard futsal court for a unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dream Jerseys & CEO Teammates
Instead of standard player names, the jerseys worn by the GLP boys proudly displayed their personal career ambitions on their backs: Pilot, Doctor, Engineer, Teacher.
Boys from GLP School Gabtoli forming the Thrive Warriors Team
Boys from GLP School Gabtoli forming Thrive Strikers Team, including 8-year old Sajid Mahmud (front row, third from left)
When the boys walked out onto the court, they were accompanied by some of Bangladesh’s top corporate leaders, including:
- Syed Maher Murshed, Chairman, Ascent Group
- Faiaz Rahman, Founder & CEO, Turaag Active
- Farhan Quddus, Managing Director, Securex
- Ar. Tahmidur Rahman, CEO, Emkay Enterprises
- Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah, Managing Director, Interport Group
- Mishal Karim, Chairman, BG Interactive
- Syed Faruque Ahmed, Chairman, Aamra Networks
- Toslim Uddin Khan, Managing Director & CEO, Social Marketing Company
- Zarah A. Quddus, Head of Marketing for Renaissance Decor & Founder of Bookworm
Splitting into two exhibition teams, the boys played under the stadium lights, enjoyed a post-match catered treat, and experienced the exact same prestige, recognition, and respect as every executive competing in the tournament.
Fueling Dreams Through Nutrition
The energy on the pitch was electric. One of the GLP teams ultimately took home the championship title, leaving the boys beaming with pride.
For 8th-grader Sajid Mahmud, the match was a personal triumph—and a testament to the daily support he receives at school: “We are extremely happy and proud of this achievement. During the tournament, I noticed something very important—we did not feel tired while playing. I believe the main reason is that Thrive regularly provides us with nutritious food, which keeps our bodies strong, energetic, and healthy. For this, I would like to thank Thrive once again from the bottom of my heart.”
Awarding ceremony where participating players got to celebrate wins for the day
GLP Gabtoli kids with the Thrive leadership team and Ascent Group
The event highlighted what happens when corporate leadership meets community support. Amna Rahman, Chairman of the Thrive Bangladesh Trust, shares, “The Ascent Legacy Match gave our boys a stage where their dreams were seen, honored, and celebrated. Watching them walk beside CEOs, play with confidence, and carry their ambitions on their backs was profoundly moving. Thrive exists to create opportunities like this, where nutrition, dignity, and hope come together to shape a child’s future.”
A Shared Commitment to the Future
The Ascent Legacy Match serves as an inspiring example for how corporate athletics can drive meaningful social change. By inviting Thrive students into the tournament, Ascent proved that when we give children from underserved communities the tools, nutrition, and stage they deserve, their horizons expand and their belief in what’s possible grows endlessly.
Want to help us power more dreams? Learn more about Thrive’s ongoing nutrition and education programs, and find out how you can support children across Bangladesh today!
