14/01/2025
*Volleyball Friendly Tournament Promotes Healthy Lifestyle and Community Engagement*
Saturday, 11 January, marked a memorable day for volleyball enthusiasts in Epworth, as Ruwa Epworth Sport in Action (RESA) and Cheetahs Volleyball Club hosted a friendly tournament at Chizungu Primary School. The event brought together five teams from different communities, including Jaguars from Mabvuku, Panthers from Hopley, Mathew Rusike from Epworth, Waterfalls, and the host team, Cheetahs.
The tournament provided a platform for young people to gather, socialize, and discuss the dangers of drug and substance abuse through sports. The teams played round-robin games, showcasing their skills and competitive spirit.
Cheetahs Volleyball Club dominated the tournament, losing only one match out of four. Jaguars also performed well, losing only one match out of four. Panthers lost two matches out of four, while Mathew Rusike lost three matches out of four. Waterfalls faced a tough challenge, losing three out of four matches.
During interviews, the young participants emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government ministries, and local business leaders to support initiatives like the volleyball tournament. They also stressed the importance of funding income-generating projects for their clubs, enabling them to become self-sustaining and less reliant on sponsorships.
We want to take ownership of our sporting activities and generate our own income," said one of the young participants. "With the right support and resources, we can improve our sporting facilities, equipment, and programs, and create a brighter future for ourselves and our communities.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the administration of Chizungu Primary School for providing a venue for the tournament. This gesture demonstrates a positive relationship between young peoples and local schools.
However, the tournament also highlighted a significant gap in