HWPL Zambia Branch Holds Interfaith Sports Day in Lusaka

 

 

On June 6, the HWPL Zambia Branch held an Interfaith Sports Day on the grounds of Yotam Muleya Secondary School in Emmasdale, Lusaka, Zambia.

Based on Zambia’s National Values and Principles, the event was jointly organised by HWPL and religious and community partner organisations to put unity, responsible citizenship, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence into practice through community participation. Around 500 people took part, including officials from the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs under the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), as well as young people, religious leaders, students, and local residents.

Through sports activities, participants shared a spirit of unity and community that crossed religious and community boundaries.

 

 

Participants were divided into blue and white teams regardless of their religion or background. The relay race symbolised passing the responsibility for peace on to the next generation, while tug-of-war and football gave participants a hands-on experience of cooperation and solidarity.

An official from the HWPL Zambia Branch said, “This was not simply a sporting event. It was designed to allow participants to experience peace firsthand through moving and working together.”

 

 

In particular, the event was planned as a continuation of “Dialogue Through Arts,” an interfaith dialogue program held in April. While the earlier program focused on dialogue and listening, this event sought to broaden interfaith understanding and exchange through shared activities and participation.

 

 

Religious leaders who attended the event called on young people to help spread the values of unity and solidarity within their communities. They also stressed that problems such as violence, division, and social conflict cannot be solved by the efforts of one group alone and require the interest and participation of all members of the community.

Government and community officials said it was important to support young people so that they could contribute to community and national development based on responsible citizenship.

After the event, participants continued to network and engage in dialogue, sharing their experiences with one another. The HWPL Zambia Branch plans to continue carrying out peace activities and community programs that promote interfaith harmony and youth participation.