The President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah has revealed in an interview that the aim of his administration is to to utilize rugby as a sports development tool across Africa, aligned with the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Speaking in an interview ahead of the celebration of this year’s international Youth Day on Saturday 12th August,2023 under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth through Rugby “ the newly elected President of Africa Rugby believes that the vibrant youth of Africa holds within them the seeds of continental transformation.
“As we stand at the threshold of another year, governments and stakeholders are presented with an opportunity to invest in the youth through rugby.
However, this task cannot be shouldered by one entity alone. It requires new and transformative partnerships between governments, organizations, and communities.
As the recently elected President of Rugby Africa, I am very aware of the issues we face through insufficient funding, limited playing time, and lack of nutrition. Insufficient funding limits training and travel.
Restricted playing time deprives our youth of skill development.
Lack of proper nutrition compromises the very well-being of the young individuals we seek to impower.
These issues need to be addressed collectively, ensuring that our young players have the resources they need to flourish.
Equipping Africa’s Youth for Success
Empowering African youth through rugby is not just about playing a fun sport; it is about providing them with the tools they need to establish continental growth and reach their fullest potential. We must recognize that every young rugby player has the potential to be a future leader, an agent of positive change and an ambassador for unity. By nurturing their talents, and investing in their development, we set in motion a journey that will contribute not only to the advancement of rugby across Africa, but to the progress of our societies at large.
As the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, I stand committed to collaborating with all stakeholders.
Our aim is to utilize rugby as a sports development tool across Africa, aligned with the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
International Youth Day (August 12): Empowering Africa’s Youth Through Rugby – Herbert Mensah
I am driven by the belief that the empowerment of our youth is not only a moral imperative but also an investment to an economically sustainable future across Africa.
Through partnerships, dedication, and a shared vision, we will harness the power of rugby to uplift our young people, uniting them in their diversity and guiding them towards excellence.
In celebrating International Youth Day, let us remember that the potential of Africa’s youth is boundless.
By empowering them through rugby, we unlock a force that will shape our continent’s destiny, driving progress, unity and prosperity for generations to come.
