Kick4Life has been selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to build and run a Gymnasium at the Kick4Life Centre in Maseru, as part of the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Kick4Life is one of 10 projects in Africa that will be supported via the Impact 2024 International legacy programme.
Constructed using converted shipping containers, the Gymnasium will be an additional social enterprise alongside Kick4Life’s existing hospitality entities – Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre & No.7 Restaurant – and it will generate income to support the sustainability of K4L’s gender-based sports programmes.
With young women from K4L’s programmes trained as fitness professionals to run the Gymnasium, the facility will also be used to deliver fitness sessions to vulnerable local community groups such as older people and people with disabilities. It will also be a valuable resource for Kick4Life’s staff team and players.
Steve Fleming, Kick4Life Co-founder, said: “We are thrilled to be supported by the IOC for a project which will have so many benefits for the local community, for the organisation and for the sustainability of our Sport for Development programmes. In developing the Gymnasium we are also delighted to be working with Rise International, who are currently constructing the Stadium of Life, and The Health & Fitness Institute, and look forward to bringing additional partners and sponsors on board.”
Daniela Gusman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Rise International, stated: “We are excited to partner with Kick4Life on the design and construction of the gym container conversion. This initiative will enhance the Stadium of Life and serve as a significant addition to Kick4Life’s social enterprise projects.”
Greg Sayer, Head of Operations at The Health & Fitness Institute, who will be supporting the project added: “We’re really excited to be part of the Kick4Life Gymnasium project. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use sport and fitness as a tool for real social impact. The Health and Fitness Institute will be supporting the project by training and mentoring the fitness coaching staff, helping design the gym, and sharing expertise in running fitness facilities. This partnership is more than just building a gym, it’s about creating jobs, empowering young women with new skills, and contributing to a brighter, more equal future for the community in Lesotho.”
