OLYMPAFRICA HOSTS FUTBOLNET FESTIVAL

In a colourful event that brought children and parents in one space, the Olympafrica Centre in Lusaka hosted the 2022 edition of the Olympafrica Futbolnet Festival at the Centre earlier today.

The festival which is held in various intervals annually was the first for the year, 2022.

Over 250 children participated in various sports and non-sport activities during the festival.

Marie Stopes was on site to offer Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Family planning educational talks to the teenage girls and athletes between the ages of 14-18 that access the Centre. This is in an effort to deter and protect young girls from indulging in sexual activities or falling pregnant.

A Safe sport interactive session led by National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Safe Sport Officer Prudence Nswana was also part of the festival's agenda with the parents for them to understand the role they play in safeguarding children and athletes at home and on the field of play which was followed by a session on prevention of early marriages led by a team from the Zambia Centre for Communications Programmes (ZCCP).

Some of the parents follow the proceedings attentively

The parents, coaches and teachers present were also educated on the Olympic Values and how they can be applied to one's livelihood.

In addition to the various sports activities, the Drug Enforcement Commission’s Educational department representatives Theresa M. Siamwiza and Freeman Namilonga, and Doping Control Officer Likemore Mahunje further spoke to the children and the athletes on the effects and consequences of drug abuse and doping.

The ZCCP Team leading a session on Gender Based Violence (GBV) with a particular focus on early marriages

Olympafrica Centre Manager Tinyiko Kamanga has described the festival as a success.

“it is very important to have various stakeholders such parents attend such events for them to truly understand the programmes and activities that are prepared for the benefit of the children who access the centre,” she said.

Tinyiko thanked the International Olympafrica Foundation, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) and all the partners that are involved in ensuring that programmes that address the welfare of the children and young athletes from various communities surrounding the Olympafrica Centre in Lusaka are implemented.

She has further thanked the parents, coaches, young leaders and the partners that came on board for their overwhelming support to ensure that the day was successful.

Parents pose for a picture after the completion of their session.