World Vision Zambia's Corporate Fundraising Sports Day Raises K240,000 to buy 68 Bicycles for Girls

On 26th April 2025, the vibrant grounds of Lusaka’s Athletico Sports Complex came alive with energy and purpose as part of the third edition of the annual Strong Girls Strong Zambia campaign's Corporate Fundraising Sports Day. This event, organised by World Vision Zambia, aims to empower 15,000 girls, both retrieved from child marriages and those at risk, to live safer, healthier, more productive lives by 2025. The Sports Day gathered numerous corporate teams, and supporters united by a common goal: to raise funds that will transform the lives of girls living in rural areas.

A total of 12 corporate teams participated in the day’s activities, including well-known organisations such as CFAO Motors, Zanaco, ABSA, Liquid Telecom, and others. The tournament was lively and competitive, featuring soccer matches, relay races, and various sporting activities that fostered camaraderie and teamwork. The event was a tremendous success, raising a total of K240,000 ($8,645 US Dollars). These funds will be used to purchase 68 bicycles, which will be distributed to girls in remote communities, giving them a crucial means of transportation to attend school and access vital services.

The highlight of the day was the spirited soccer competitions. Zambia Sugar emerged victorious in the men’s football category, securing the trophy after a tough final match. In the women’s soccer tournament, Buffalo Bicycles claimed the win, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and determination on the field. These victories added excitement and demonstrated the enthusiasm and unity of all participants.

World Vision Zambia’s National Director, Marc Nosbach, expressed his gratitude and optimism about the event’s impact. “Today’s fundraising showcases the incredible spirit of collaboration and commitment among our partners and supporters. The bicycles will serve as a catalyst for change, empowering girls to pursue their education and dreams without the burden of long and unsafe journeys,” he said. “We are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to this noble cause. Together, we are building a future where every girl has equal access to opportunities.”

The Sports Day, held at the Athletico Sports Complex, shows the importance of the Strong Girls Strong Zambia campaign. This is the third consecutive year that the event has been held, reinforcing the growing momentum and commitment to girls’ empowerment in Zambia.

The event also featured various sporting activities that emphasised the significance of investing in girls’ safety and education. Participants enjoyed a fun-filled day of teamwork and shared purpose, further strengthening networkingorganisations.

Mulenga Chikontwe, a representative from World Bicycle Relief, highlighted the importance of the bicycles and the broader challenges faced by girls in rural areas. “Transport is a major barrier for many girls,” he noted. “By working together and providing bicycles, we help them overcome distance and safety concerns, enabling them to attend school regularly and participate actively in their communities. We also call on other organisations to promote girls’ involvement in sports, especially girls’ soccer, as it builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.”

Chikontwe emphasised that fostering girls’ participation in sports can open doors to new opportunities beyond the classroom. “Girls’ soccer can be a powerful tool for social change,” he added. “It encourages inclusion, discipline, and physical health while challenging gender stereotypes. We need more organisations to support such initiatives.”

The success of the third edition of the Strong Girls Strong Zambia Sports Day highlights the vital role of corporate and community involvement in achieving sustainable development goals. With the funds raised, hundreds of girls in remote areas will benefit from increased mobility, better access to education, and greater opportunities to shape their futures. As the event concluded, there was a shared hope that this annual celebration would continue to inspire more partnerships and initiatives that uplift girls and create lasting change across Zambia.