On Friday, October 17, sports lovers in Ndola came to cheer youths under the DAPP Youth in Action as the project hosted its 2025 Annual Youth Sports Gala at Mapalo Grounds under the theme; “The Power of Sports: Transforming Lives, Empowering Youths.”

Meanwhile, Mapalo Youth Club emerged as undisputed champions, winning all three trophies, including the boys' and girls' football and Netball tournaments. All the teams showcased not only skill and energy, but also unity and discipline during the event.

In the boys' category, Mapalo met Nkwazi in a tightly contested final that ended in a 1-0 win from a wonderfully taken free kick in the second half.

In the girls' football final, Mapalo came from behind against Kawama to win 2-1, in another thrilling encounter. For netball, Mapalo won 15-7 against Nkwazi to cement their presence at the event.

Gracing the event as Guest of Honour, Ndola District Commissioner, Precious Njekwa, who was represented by Senior Child Development Officer, Ethel Hansungule commended DAPP for aligning its youth empowerment projects with government’s priorities on skills development for job creation and environmental sustainability.

“The Government is committed to empowering young people through skills, health, and sports. What we see here today reflects the very essence of our national development agenda — where young people are equipped to lead, work, and thrive,” she said.

Through Youth Clubs established in communities such as Chipulukusu, Kawama, and Nkwazi in Ndola, the Youth in Action brings young people together to share knowledge and experiences to improve their living conditions.

Youth in Action uses sports and peer-to-peer support through Youth Clubs to engage young people on key issues such as HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, environmental protection, vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills and leadership development.