Every year on the 6th of April, the world marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people’s lives across the globe.
Moving The Goalposts partnered with Pwani Youth Network (PYN), Kilifi County Government, and other stakeholders to mark this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace in an activity-packed event at the Mnarani grounds, Kilifi.
Speaking during the event, PYN Programs Manager Geoffrey Odhiambo said sports “Today we celebrate how we use sports for peace. Sports brings people together and through that, we can harmonize and iron out our differences. We can also use sports as an advocacy tool to bring together, reconcile, and unite the community.”
The event featured a range of activities such as the seven-a-side match involving organizations and government institutions which were aimed at fostering unity, inclusivity, and peaceful co-existence.
Teams included; Team USAID Stawisha Pwani – Kilifi, Team Waziris – Representing Kilifi Departments of Gender, Culture, Social Services, Sports, Public Service Management, Roads and Public Works, Finance, and Economic Planning, Pwani Youth Network, and Kuppet Teachers.
Kilifi County Deputy Governor was named the new MTG United Patron.
“This appointment marks a significant milestone in our organization’s mission to empower girls aged 7-25 in the coastal region. We are deeply honored to have Flora Mbetsa Chibule lead and support our girls on their journey to excellence,” said MTG.
“It was a great honor to be unveiled as the inaugural patron of the Moving to the Goalposts(MTG) United, an elite women’s football team comprising of talented MTG young women during the commemoration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace at the MTG Grounds in Kilifi under the theme “sports for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies,” said Kilifi DG Flora Chibule.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace event also hosted exhibitions from various organizations that showcased products and services, this also provided a platform for networking and sustainable partnerships.
“Sports has the power to break down barriers, promote peace and inclusivity, and monetize talents, especially among the youth which our Administration is focused to continue investing in,” said DG Flora Chibule.
It was also an opportunity to see how sports can be used to advocate for mental health awareness.
“When we play, it also reduces issues of anxiety and stress which are huge contributors to mental health challenges,” said Geoffrey from PYN.
He said apart from advocacy, sports can also be used to engage young people and put them on the right path away from drug & substance abuse and crime.
The event was graced by the presence of Dorcas Amukobe, the Executive Director for Moving to the Goalposts, CECMs Dr Ruth Dama(Gender), Catherine Kenga (Roads and Public Works), Chief Officers Agnetta Karembo (Gender and Culture), Irene Opicho (Special Programs), Jacinta Ismail (Resource mobilization – Revenue) and Director for Sports Boniface Kirimi.
