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 As AIDS-related deaths continue to skyrocket, and opportunities for kids to enjoy healthy physical activities remain stagnant, the Zambian government is embracing Game On! and the International Alliance For Youth Sports' (IAYS) efforts to make a positive difference in young lives through sports.
“It is our honor and privilege to be the pioneers of Game On! Africa,” said Lupando Mwape, the vice president of Zambia. “It is our desire and hope that this program will be replicated in other African countries as a way of broadening the foundation of sport in Africa.”
More than 100 delegates from throughout Africa recently took part in the first-ever Game On! African Summit in Lusaka, Zambia.
The historic event was focused on uniting the African continent under the Game On! Youth Sports banner and providing leaders in their respective countries with a valuable resource to combat HIV/AIDS, as well as drug abuse and crime that are destroying countless young lives every day.
"Children need, more than ever, a program to build their self confidence, give them hope and be an effective tool in fighting crime, violence, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS throughout Africa and the world," said Fred Engh, president of the IAYS.
The goal of Game On! Youth Sports is to allow all children the opportunity to be introduced to sports by teaching them the skills and giving them the knowledge of individual sports through the school system, as well as the opportunities to participate in sports under a supervised program in their leisure time.
“There is no use or need for failure because sport has been well supported and there are high expectations from government,” said Gladys Nyirongo, acting sports minister. “Sport speaks a lot and can be used to shape the life of children and youths. Sport needs to be encouraged when someone is very young. As government we will embrace the youth program and scale it up so it reaches high levels.”
The IAYS is committing $100,000 to the implementation of Game On!, which includes the construction of the Munali Game On! baseball fields. It has also already sent thousands of dollars worth of sports equipment and apparel to the country.
“The government of Zambia attaches great importance to sport and physical education as an engine for human sustainable development,” Mwape said.
Game On! has been enormously successful in Dominica, a Caribbean country gripped by poverty.
“It is working fantastic in schools,” said Loreen Bannis-Roberts, the Minister of State in Dominica. “The whole idea is not to leave any child behind, and so far we have about 1,500 children involved.”
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