The Central Elite Social Volleyball League (CESVL) is using sport as a platform for community development, bringing together public and private sector teams while supporting vulnerable communities through monthly donations and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The league, which started earlier this year as a small social volleyball gathering, has grown to 21 teams competing at the Katutura Volleyball Courts in Windhoek.
Beyond providing a platform for competitive and social volleyball, the league has incorporated a community outreach programme that sees participating teams and partners contribute essential items to Katutura State Hospital and other community causes.
Donations made through the initiative have included sanitary products, mattresses, baby nappies, blankets, electric kettles and other essential items aimed at supporting patients and healthcare workers.
Audi Namibia joined the initiative during the latest round of fixtures, contributing to the league's community outreach activities.
Audi Club Namibia spokesperson Nee Siamwanda said private organisations and individuals also have a responsibility to contribute towards communities that depend on public healthcare services.
He said community support should not be left solely to hospitals or government, adding that organisations can play an important role in improving the lives of people who may not have access to private healthcare.
CESVL Vice Chairperson Lameck Odada said the growth of the league reflects increasing interest from organisations wishing to participate, although limited court availability has restricted the number of teams that can currently be accommodated.
“We are now 21 teams, and there are other teams we couldn't take because we only have two courts,” Odada said.
He added that the league's vision extends beyond volleyball, with corporate social responsibility forming an important part of its activities.
According to Odada, teams meet once a month and use each gathering as an opportunity to contribute cash or essential goods to community initiatives, particularly Katutura State Hospital.
The impact of the donations is already being felt at the hospital.
Dr Shafa Hamutenya, a medical doctor and player for the Ministry of Health Volleyball Club, said seemingly small contributions can make a significant difference to patients and healthcare workers.
She said previous donations included nappies and blankets for babies, while electric kettles were donated to the hospital during another round of the initiative.
“These minor things have quite a huge significance, and we appreciate everyone that came on board with their donations,” Hamutenya said.
Players participating in the league have also welcomed its emphasis on community service.
NUST player Abner Shifula said the initiative provides much-needed assistance to the hospital, particularly during colder periods when items such as blankets become increasingly important.
He described the outreach programme as a positive initiative that demonstrates how sport can be used to support communities beyond the playing court.
NamRA Volleyball Team manager Chilabila Asa said the league also creates valuable networking and social opportunities for employees who spend much of their working week in office environments.
He said the monthly gatherings allow participants from different organisations to interact, build relationships and connect outside their workplaces.
As the Central Elite Social Volleyball League continues to grow, organisers hope its combination of sport, corporate networking and community service will encourage more institutions to participate and contribute towards community development.