In Zambia, Game On! Youth Sports was adopted to promote the concept of healthy living and fitness to children through sports participation.

 

The International Alliance For Youth Sports (IAYS) program is meeting those needs, while also stirring interest among many children to continue on with their sports careers. In fact, as a result of Game On!, many now have desires to play for the Zambian national team.

 

“I love sport and I know I will make it like Kalusha Bwalya,” said 15-year-old Game On! participant Rukiya Bamusu in reference to the top football (soccer) star in Zambia.

 

Many Zambian children idolize Bwalya, the country’s most famous football (soccer) player, who by chance avoided the deadly 1993 plane crash which killed the entire Zambian national team. Bwalya happened to be in the Netherlands at the time and had made his own flight arrangements.

 

Football (soccer) has long been the most popular sport in Zambia, however, many communities lack the appropriate facilities or equipment to provide children with the chance to play. Game On! has been diligently working to change that.

 

Children who have participated in Game On! have indeed learned the healthy benefits of an active lifestyle. However, their love for the sport has begun to transcend mere exercise.

 

“I am a very active footballer and I want to play on the Zambian national team,” Game On! participant Morgan Shula said.

 

Although the intended purpose of Game On! is not to produce professional athletes, IAYS does not discourage youngsters who have the ambition and dedication to hone their skills and pursue professional athletics.

 

IAYS aims to introduce children to the joys of sports, and keep them actively involved. Even though becoming a professional athlete is an unrealistic dream for some, IAYS believes that cultivating positive long-term goals for children has enormous benefits.

 

“When I grow up I want to be a professional football (soccer) player,” said Game On! participant Bruce Mututu. “Whenever I am playing football (soccer) my family is there to watch me and thank God for this support.”

 

It remains to be seen if any of these children will realize their professional dreams, but who knows, perhaps the next Kalusha Bwalya will be a former Game On! participant.