West Sumbawa, Indonesia (15 May 2023) - ASA Foundation and AMMAN in collaboration with PSSI ASKAB, launched its groundbreaking Sport for Development (S4D) LIGA KSB youth football leagues for girls and boys with and without disabilities in West Sumbawa (KSB) on 13-14 May.
Dr. Becky Clark, Vice President, WomenSport International and ASA Foundation Global Ambassador, joined the weekend kick-off activities on the pitch with the 19 teams to promote life skills, gender equality, women empowerment, and youth with disabilities sport participation and inclusion.
“The mission and vision of Liga KSB are to use the power of football for positive social change to build the capacity of communities across West Sumbawa,” said Lee Hawkins, Founder of ASA Foundation. “We have developed the first inclusive football league for youth with disabilities in Indonesia which will act as a model for other provinces and countries across Southeast Asia.”
Both youth U15 male and U18 female leagues consist of eight teams each and one league of three mixed teams consisting of girls and boys with disabilities will compete from May-August yearly. Liga KSB aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): #3 - Good Health and Well-Being, #4 - Quality Education, #5 - Gender Equality, and #11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
AMMAN’s Sport for Development Program (S4D) is crucial component of the company's Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM) in KSB, where its mining operations is located. AMMAN strongly believes in sports as a tool for developing the youth and the community as a whole. It builds teamwork, mental sharpness, athleticism, and leadership skills. Currently, over 800 KSB youths make up the AMMAN Liga KSB Football League. With these initiatives, they can have the opportunity to develop their talents and benefit from the positive values that sports and football offer.
“AMMAN is working with the ASA Foundation and PSSI ASKAB KSB in developing the Liga KSB and seeks to expand its partnership with international professional football clubs and experts to be able to provide the best practice training for the development of the KSB football ecosystem,” said Priyo Pramono, Vice President of Social Impact at AMMAN. “We aim to use sports activities to promote inclusivity, self-confidence, and collaboration among the youth. Through this program, the company strives to create a better future for the young people of KSB. It's an excellent way for AMMAN to give back to its community and ensure that future generations have every chance at success,” added Pramono.