Rangers Academy continues to reach out to young and talented individuals in Busia County to tap their talents at a tender age.
The Academy now targets a girls’ team to join the Institution which was majorly for boys. Girls from Munongo Primary School have been selected for the pioneer project to initiate the ladies’ team in the Academy.
The Academy CEO, who is also Head Coach, Steve Odhiambo, noted that, “participation in sports leads to increased self-esteem, self-confidence, and enhanced sense of control over one’s body”.
Moreover, sports and physical activity has been said to hold very specific advantages for girls and women. According to the International Working Group on Women and Sport, Sport and physical activity are seen as ‘an extremely powerful means of promoting physical and mental health.
Ms Millicent Lubanga, the Headmistress of Munongo Primary School stressed that Sport programs enhance the empowerment process by challenging gender norms, reducing restrictions and offering girls and women greater mobility, access to public spaces, and more opportunities for their physical, intellectual and social development.
“Most parents/guardians do not understand why their teenagers occasionally behave in an impulsive, irrational, or dangerous way. At times, it seems like teens don’t consider the consequences of their actions,” said Lubanga.
The Club Chairman, Josia Wanyama, stressed the importance of incorporating sports into academics, noting sports build a child’s mental strength and boosts social-life
“When you want to teach your children something new, whether it’s how to make their bed or how to tie their shoes, show them how you do it. Then, let them practice it on their own. Showing, rather than telling, can be the best way for kids to learn a variety of new skills,” said Wanyama.
By Absalom Namwalo
