On September 26, 2025, Friends of Health Initiative (FHI) was honored to welcome David Groves from Laureus Sport for Good and Maureen Rosita Ojong Ebob Besong from the International Olympic Committee to Rulindo District.

The visit gave us a wonderful opportunity to share the progress of our programs in sport for social impact, health, livelihoods, and gender empowerment. We focused especially on the SESLA-funded project, which uses soccer to help out-of-school youth learn about entrepreneurship and prepare for sustainable careers.

As part of the visit, David Groves led a capacity-building session on safeguarding and financial management, which will help us strengthen our work. The visitors also met with the Rulindo District Business Development and Employment Unit to discuss how sport can support youth empowerment and community development.

The day ended with exciting field activities; meeting young entrepreneurs (project beneficiaries) at their business sites, watching the men’s and women’s final football matches, and interacting directly with youth participants. These moments highlighted the need to reach even more young people, deepen partnerships, and expand our work across the district.

We are truly grateful for this collaboration and remain committed to transforming lives through the power of sport.