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As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, CCB recently hosted two dynamic four-day soccer camps in the villages of Kacgae and West Hanahai. These camps, designed to engage our target communities through fun-filled environmental education, attracted a total of 156 youth and 104 adults, showcasing the potential of sports as a catalyst for conservation awareness.
The camps were led by Paul Gibbons, affectionately known as "Gibbo," the founder of Soccer in the Community, a USA-based NGO. With years of experience volunteering with various organizations in Botswana, Gibbo has been instrumental in integrating football with conservation initiatives, including the development of the Coaching for Conservation program run by Wild Entrust. His commitment to using sport as a means of environmental education was evident throughout the camps. He was supported by two dedicated volunteers, Jason Vera and Mac Strong. The camps achieved impressive youth turnout, with participants eagerly engaging in activities led by Gibbo, Jason, Mac and the CCB team.
Following the soccer camps, CCB organised an exciting soccer tournament and family fun day in the village of West Hanahai. The tournament - sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, and supported by donations from Mariette Straus and Kagiso Mokotedi - offered attractive cash prizes for the top three teams across the categories U16 Boys, U16 Girls, Women and Men, further incentivizing participation. The tournament drew good attendance, and visiting teams and spectators from West Hanahai and neighbouring villages stayed to enjoy the matches. Soccer, or should we say football as it is known locally, is Botswana’s most popular sport, and the enthusiasm for the camps and tournament was widespread.
The camps and tournament underscored the potential of leveraging sports to promote conservation education. The participation of locals in soccer activities which were linked to environmental education fostered a deeper connection to environmental issues, while also bringing the community together. CCB looks forward to future events that harness the power of sport to engage communities in conservation efforts, driving awareness and action for our precious wildlife.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to the success of these camps! We are excited to continue this journey of community engagement and environmental stewardship together.
The camps were led by Paul Gibbons, affectionately known as "Gibbo," the founder of Soccer in the Community, a USA-based NGO. With years of experience volunteering with various organizations in Botswana, Gibbo has been instrumental in integrating football with conservation initiatives, including the development of the Coaching for Conservation program run by Wild Entrust. His commitment to using sport as a means of environmental education was evident throughout the camps. He was supported by two dedicated volunteers, Jason Vera and Mac Strong. The camps achieved impressive youth turnout, with participants eagerly engaging in activities led by Gibbo, Jason, Mac and the CCB team.
Following the soccer camps, CCB organised an exciting soccer tournament and family fun day in the village of West Hanahai. The tournament - sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, and supported by donations from Mariette Straus and Kagiso Mokotedi - offered attractive cash prizes for the top three teams across the categories U16 Boys, U16 Girls, Women and Men, further incentivizing participation. The tournament drew good attendance, and visiting teams and spectators from West Hanahai and neighbouring villages stayed to enjoy the matches. Soccer, or should we say football as it is known locally, is Botswana’s most popular sport, and the enthusiasm for the camps and tournament was widespread.
The camps and tournament underscored the potential of leveraging sports to promote conservation education. The participation of locals in soccer activities which were linked to environmental education fostered a deeper connection to environmental issues, while also bringing the community together. CCB looks forward to future events that harness the power of sport to engage communities in conservation efforts, driving awareness and action for our precious wildlife.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to the success of these camps! We are excited to continue this journey of community engagement and environmental stewardship together.
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