The One Economy Foundation is using sport and open conversations to raise awareness of mental health, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide through its upcoming Game Changers event.
The event will be held at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on 22 August, and will combine a 5km and 10km fun run with family activities and discussions aimed at encouraging people to take an active role in addressing social issues affecting communities.
One Economy Foundation spokesperson Paulina Moses says the initiative is intended to create a space where people can connect through sport while engaging in important conversations.
“Game Changers is about bringing people together through sport, family, and conversation to create greater awareness around mental health, sexual reproductive health, and the current need to stand against GBV and femicide,” Moses says.
She says the foundation wants participants to leave the event with a greater sense of responsibility towards creating change in their communities.
“We want everyone who joins us to leave not only having had a great day, but feeling empowered to be part of the change,” she says.
A key component of the event will be the Game Changers Power Barbershop Talks, under the theme ‘Real Conversations, Real Men’.
The talks will provide a platform for men to discuss mental health and sexual and reproductive health, while addressing their role in preventing GBV and femicide.
The discussions will start at 08h30 and will feature various facilitators.
The Game Changers Run will include 5km and 10km routes, with entry fees of N$120 and N$180. Medals will be awarded to all finishers.
The event will also include entertainment, wellness activities, children’s attractions and family and corporate activities.
The foundation says the event is aimed at creating awareness while encouraging participants to become part of efforts to build healthier and safer communities.
