Guest blog post by Lift4Life Ambassador Sam Murray
I am sure more than a few folks reading this blog would look upon their favourite childhood sport with fond memories of teamwork, dedication and passion. Not only are sports a great way to pass the time, but there is ample evidence to suggest that formal physical activity can create life-long benefits to those that participate in it regularly, beyond the obvious advantages to one’s physical fitness such as cardiovascular health and weight.
Individuals - and particularly children - that participate in sport can benefit from an increased sense of confidence and self-esteem. They will also develop social skills, as any sport - including Powerlifting - will help build teamwork, create friendships and allow folks to create a greater sense of connection to their community. Finally, participating in competition can cultivate a sense of discipline and determination that can only come with focusing on a goal in order to achieve it. And even if that goal is not successful, it will teach those that fail to try again.
“I have seen them become better listeners. I have seen them become happier.”
These concepts have been seen in action in our Lift4Life-supported communities in Zimbabwe. Audrey Svongwa, one of our partners in Zimbabwe, has seen lives transformed since opening the gym and engaging local youth in Powerlifting. Audrey says, “Some of the young men in our community were into drugs because they have nothing to do. I’ve seen boys sitting in the streets and I invite them to come lift with me and they come in the hundreds. I have seen them become better listeners. I have seen them become happier. They have opportunities that they wouldn’t have had before, like going to compete in South Africa.”
Since the start of Lift4Life Worldwide in 2015, we have built 5 gyms in Harare and have supported over 200 lifters who have been formally registered under the Zimbabwe Powerlifting Federation. 500 community members have regular access to Lift4Life gyms in Zimbabwe and more than 40 lifters are supported in Lesotho.
We are proud to continue programming opportunities for members of these communities and helping to support them on their journey toward physical wellbeing, but are even more proud of the progress the community has made from the benefits of this sport. With the support of Calgary Barbell and the Strength Guys, we have now surpassed our summer fundraising goal of $2,500 to support a chicken farm, a community garden and virtual fitness programming in tandem with small group learning sessions led by Zimbabwe locals. This will help build entrepreneurship skills to youth in the community, provide a safe place for education and help our communities access to nutrition. Through communications with our local coordinator Audrey, we have decided to focus our next goal on supporting a new community with lifting equipment to help spread strength and hope to new faces during these unprecedented times. You can read more here.
At Lift4Life, we will also be implementing social distancing measures at all gym spaces and will be encouraging outdoor lifting workouts to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Most of our gyms are only equipped with one squat rack/ bench, making the sharing of equipment a must.In addition to supporting a new community space, other funds will go towards more equipment in current gym spaces to enable our lifters to stay safe and socially distance during workouts.
We are hoping to raise another $2,500 to support our revamped summer plan. We know the importance that Powerlifting and organized sport can have on a community, but we cannot continue this important work with your help. Please help us reach our goal and donate at the link below.