Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown led a heartwarming initiative today as she joined 39 young girls at St. Michael’s Field in Lakka for the “Softball for Success” event. This program, a collaboration between US-based Change Up Sports and Lumley-based Vintage Academy, aims to empower girls through sports while imparting essential life skills.
Accompanied by Cllr Foday Yansanneh and Cllr Mohamed Darboh, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr actively participated in a two-hour session filled with warm-up exercises, team-building games, and softball training. Her engagement underscored the program’s commitment to fostering both physical and personal development among young girls aged 12 to 18 from communities including Lumley, Lakka, and Hamilton.
“Softball for Success” combines softball coaching with sessions on life skills, women’s empowerment, self-confidence, and teamwork. Each participant also receives significant off-field support, including a 50 kg bag of rice for their family, school supplies, and coverage of all medical and dental expenses throughout their involvement in the program.
Speaking to the girls, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr encouraged them to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of confidence and self-determination. “To own their space and take their place!” she remarked, inspiring the girls to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
The initiative has attracted 12 American volunteers from Change Up Sports, who are facilitating a weeklong summer camp in Freetown. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership between Change Up Sports and the Freetown City Council (FCC), highlighting their shared goal of expanding the program citywide.
“FCC recognizes the transformative power of sports in building confidence and shaping lives,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated. “We are committed to nurturing this partnership to ensure more girls across our city benefit from ‘Softball for Success.'”As the program continues to grow, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and the FCC look forward to fostering a supportive environment where girls can thrive, both athletically and personally.
