AfriThrive held its first Soccer Tournament and Potluck at Parklawn Local Park in Rockville, Maryland a few weeks ago, bringing together soccer lovers from across the DMV’s African diaspora for an afternoon of sports and shared meals.
AfriThrive launched its official soccer club (AfriThrive F.C.) made up of volunteers and faced off against a formidable opponent representing G.W. students hailing from Zimbabwe. The match was a demonstration of the competitive spirit and cultural connections that the event was designed to foster. Following the match, the players refueled with dishes from various African countries and fresh produce from AfriThrive’s community farm.
“Community doesn’t happen overnight. It grows through shared experiences like this,” said Dr. Truphena Choti, Founder and CEO of AfriThrive. “Our goal is to promote thriving families by creating spaces where people can connect, stay active, and celebrate culture through food and movement. This was a meaningful first step in building something lasting.”
While attendance was modest for this inaugural event, the atmosphere reflected AfriThrive’s mission to build wellness and belonging through intentional community connection. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to combine physical activity with cultural celebration in a relaxed environment.
“It was a great time,” said Martin Simba, a player from AfriThrive F.C. “Everyone showed up ready to play, laugh, and share a meal. I look forward to many more similar outings.”
AfriThrive plans to continue hosting the tournament as a regular community gathering, creating an ongoing opportunity for families to connect through sports, healthy living, and cultural celebration.
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Hashtag: #GrowWithAfriThrive
