rise Partners with Kick4Life for the Construction of a Gymnasium in Maseru as Part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Legacy
rise International has joined forces with Kick4Life in the design and construction of a new gymnasium at the Kick4Life Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, as part of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kick4Life is one of only 10 projects across Africa selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to receive support through the Impact 2024 International legacy programme.
The gymnasium will be constructed using converted shipping containers, adding to Kick4Life’s existing social enterprise portfolio, which includes the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre and No.7 Restaurant. These ventures are essential for generating income to sustain Kick4Life’s gender-based sports programmes. The new gym will further contribute to the organization’s mission of using sport as a tool for social development.
Empowering Young Women and Vulnerable Communities
An important aspect of the gymnasium is its focus on empowering young women from Kick4Life’s programmes, who will be trained as fitness professionals to run the facility. The gym will not only cater to Kick4Life’s staff and players but will also provide fitness sessions to vulnerable local community groups, such as older people and those with disabilities. This initiative reflects Kick4Life’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for marginalized groups in the community.
Excitement from Key Project Partners
Steve Fleming, Co-founder of Kick4Life, expressed his excitement about the initiative:
“We are thrilled to be supported by the IOC for a project which will have so many benefits for the local community, for the organization, 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, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration: “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, also emphasized the social significance of the project: “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 & 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.”
A Legacy for the Future
With the combined efforts of rise International, Kick4Life, and The Health & Fitness Institute, the new gymnasium will leave a lasting legacy for the local community in Maseru. It not only aims to provide a space for fitness and well-being but also to support the financial sustainability of Kick4Life’s gender-based sports programmes. This project exemplifies the power of sport to drive social change, offering a pathway to a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for Lesotho.
