Hello from Kalabash Academy! We hope you are healthy and staying safe wherever you are around the world. As an international organization, Kalabash Academy faces the global implications of this health crisis, but continues to work hard to achieve our mission and goals for 2020.
Here is an update on how COVID-19 is affecting our operations and how you can stay involved in the Kalabash Academy community.
Cancellation of May 9th Gala
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our May 9th Gala in Portland, Oregon, is postponed indefinitely. We will be monitoring the situation here in Portland, and will update our supporters with changes and possible rescheduling as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
How are things in the Gambia?
Similar to the U.S., all schools, public gatherings and businesses are shut down by government restrictions to protect the health of the community, affecting our program in the Gambia. Our student-athletes are at home, continuing to study via paper booklets distributed by their schools.
Yahya Manneh, Director of Coaching, describes the situation in the Gambia: “[the] halting of all sporting events, closing all schools and public centres has caused a nightmare, most especially in the lives of the young players of Kalabash Academy who are in the process of a life changing moment in soccer. No one believed it at first, but as the death toll rose and a pandemic declared, we now all understand the fact that our lives are more precious than the game we love most.”
When restrictions lift, and the safety and welfare of the community is no longer at stake, Kalabash Academy will resume normal operations including Under 12 tryouts (currently scheduled for June), school study sessions and soccer training.
Kalabash Academy donates equipment & uniforms to West Coast Region teams in the Gambia
Kalabash Academy fulfilled its promise of support to the West Coast Region teams participating in the first Under 12 and 14 trials held in the Gambia earlier this year. All twelve academies that participated in the tournament were given equipment, and the winners of each age category received additional soccer balls and a full set of FC Portland jerseys to kit out their team. Read the full article in The Point here.
How can you help?
The biggest challenge we face currently is making sure our students continue their studies and the community stays healthy during this time.
Similar to most nonprofit organizations, Kalabash Academy faces financial challenges in these uncertain times. Any donation or support makes a difference in our mission to build and encourage growth through education, sports, and wellness.
Look for our next newsletter update coming in June! Until then, stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Kalabash Academy is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization.
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support!
Please share with your friends and family.
Foday Kabba, Founder of Kalabash Academy
Kalabash Academy, 430 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States of America