There was a lot going on at our partner projects PLAY HANDBALL in Kenya, as well as at the GO FOR GOALS Sports Centre in Tanzania.
Around 200 children and young people enjoyed a fantastic day at the annual PLAY HANDBALL Supercup in Kenya. No fewer than 19 teams took part in the tournament, including all boys, all girls and mixed groups.
The players and coaches from the partner projects in Machakos and Thika may have travelled the longest, but the journey itself can often be the destination. Especially when you’re travelling with your mates. But they met halfway at the SOS Children’s Village in Buruburu, in the centre of Nairobi, to join the teams from Korogocho and Juja for the tournament.
After a busy day of physical activity in the fresh air, the kids themselves, as well as their parents and family members, had the opportunity to have a look at handball at a slightly higher level. A direct lesson in this was provided by the handball match between the Strathmore University players and the coaches and volunteers from each of the project teams.
For the kids who do not yet take part in the handball games, there was the opportunity to take part in the traditional games for the under 10s on the spot. Who knows, maybe a new star was born. On the other hand, enthusiasm for handball or sports in general is enough. Unfortunately, this cannot be taken for granted.
In addition to the sport, the programme also included a good portion of educational activities. It’s no coincidence that the events have been organised under the motto “Handball and Education Tournament”. Before, in between and after the exciting handball matches, the focus was once again on important environmental education topics such as environmentally friendly behaviour and environmental protection in general. Mental health was also discussed in training sessions organised and led by young coaches, the projects and their partners.
What a day, what an adventure! For players, coaches, volunteers and spectators alike.
Tanzania: Supercup-style handball and education tournament
It may have been the first of its kind, but it lasted two days. That’s impressive. In close cooperation with PLAY HANDBALL, the GO FOR GOALS Sports Centre in Mlamleni organised the event under the motto ‘Umoja ni Nguvu’. Loosely translated from Swahili, this means ‘Unity makes you strong’ or simply ‘Strong together’.
Away from the games at the Kongowe Mzinga grounds, activities and training sessions were held to raise awareness of environmental and health issues. For example, environmental awareness focused on how to be sustainable, such as recycling.
Information was also provided on alcohol and drug abuse. To ensure greater fairness and integrity in sport, the young players were informed about the dangers of doping and the importance of clean competitions.
A big thank you...
It is relatively easy to get players excited about a tournament like this. But it wouldn’t work without people who put their heart and soul into raising sponsorship money and equipment, doing the right PR work or organising the logistics for sports teams and coaches.
Operational organisation, such as drawing up fixtures and timetables, or planning training sessions with a wide range of stakeholders for the accompanying educational work, are also activities that take place several weeks in advance.
We are already looking forward to the next Supercup events and other exciting tournaments organised by our partner projects.
The pictures are courtesy of PLAY HANDBALL Kenya and the GO FOR GOALS Sports Centre in Tanzania.
