In a significant step toward youth empowerment and community transformation, Somwhere Hospitality Management Hub has officially launched the Somwhere Community Sports Arena in Shendam. The project, spearheaded by co-founders Rangnaan Kangnaan and Macdonald Fuanbial, aims to use sports as a tool for development, social cohesion, and economic growth.
The sports arena, more than just a recreational facility, is envisioned as a hub for nurturing talent, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering unity. According to Rangnaan Kangnaan, the initiative is rooted in Somwhere’s broader vision of human capital development and sustainable change within the tourism and hospitality industries.
“This arena represents our commitment to empowering individuals and creating long-term value in our communities,” Kangnaan said. “It is the product of detailed research into rural sports development, which revealed sports as a catalyst for community-based tourism and youth engagement.”
The facility includes newly developed basketball and volleyball courts, and is expected to serve as a platform for youth participation in sports, cultural exchange, and economic activities tied to sports tourism. It aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities.
The project has received notable support from the local leadership. The Chairman of Shendam Local Government was instrumental in facilitating the development of the infrastructure, while traditional rulers, including the Long Gamai and chiefs of the Gamai Kingdom, offered their blessings and support, lending legitimacy and strength to the initiative.
Somwhere Hospitality Management Hub plans to replicate the model across other districts, with the goal of spreading the benefits of youth development and community empowerment more widely. The organization envisions the arena as the beginning of a movement to transform lives and strengthen local economies.
“We invite everyone to be a part of this journey—to invest in our people, uplift our communities, and build a future of shared prosperity,” Kangnaan added.
About Somwhere Hospitality Management Hub:
Somwhere is a tourism and hospitality research and development company focused on innovative, sustainable solutions for community growth. Through projects like the Community Sports Arena, Somwhere is actively working to integrate social impact with industry advancement.