3RD NOCZ GENERAL SECRETARIES SEMINAR HELD SUCCESSFULLY.

LEADERS of national sports federations who attended this year's General Secretaries (GS) seminar have been urged to contribute effectively towards the growth of the sector by coming up with innovative initiatives.

This year’s seminar, the first held physically by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) post the COVID-19 pandemic attracted General Secretaries and Representatives from 25 sports federations in a two-day gathering in Lusaka.

By and large, the seminar which has been held three times annually since its launch by NOCZ in 2019, provides an opportunity for General Secretaries from various sports codes to share development initiatives.

For the NOCZ President, who was the guest of honour, it was an opportunity to remind the delegates of their important roles to Zambia’s sporting mandate.

He started by highlighting the importance of the seminar.

"THESE COLLABORATIONS HOLD THE POTENTIAL TO DEEPEN LEARNING AND THE IMPACT OF SPORT AND ACHIEVE LONG-LASTING COMMITMENTS AT LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS AND IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY."

NOCZ President Alfred Foloko addressing delegates during the seminar

''THIS IS A PLATFORM FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVES FROM VARIOUS SPORTS ORGANISATIONS TO CONVENE AND DELIBERATE IN BETTERING SPORTS ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC MOVEMENT."

He then urged them to consider innovations that will advance their sports disciplines and the sector as a whole.

"THE SEMINAR AND YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLES WITHIN YOUR TECHNICAL AND GOVERNANCE AREAS ARE MOST CRITICAL TO MEET THE NOCZ STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVES, AS WELL AS ACHIEVING THE OVERALL COMMITMENTS OF THE NATION THROUGH SPORT."

"IT IS THE MANDATE OF THE NOCZ THAT OUR NFS BEGAN TO THINK 'OUT OF THE BOX' IN CHANGING THE SPORT PARADIGM AND MAKING IT A PRIORITY. YOUR EXPERIENCES, EXPERTISE, AND KNOWLEDGE WILL HELP WIDEN OUR HORIZONS IN DEEPENING THE UNDERSTANDING OF TRANSLATING PARTICULARLY PLANNING AND GOVERNANCE."

Among some of the topics covered during this year’s seminar included, governance and policy management, mental health in sport, safeguarding of athletes: effect of harassment in Sports on Human Rights, Sports Law, and Multi-Sport Teams Management: Role of the NOC and National Federation among others which were led designated individuals from the federations present as a way of sharing the best practices.

NOCZ Board Member Susanna Dakik presenting Session 1

Other presenters included NOCZ Board Members Susanna Dakik who led session 1 with a particular focus on Making an impact that counts and Dickson Jere, Dr. Maria Akani from Renaisense, Foster Hamuyube from the Human Rights Commission, and NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi.

Dr. Maria Akani led a session on Mental Health in Sports

The following Federations were in attendance:

1. Badminton Association of Zambia

2. Cycling Association of Zambia

3. Chess Federation of Zambia

4. Football Association of Zambia

5. Handball Association of Zambia

6. Netball Zambia

7. Taekwondo Association of Zambia

8. Teqball Zambia

9. Triathlon Zambia

10. Skate Association of Zambia

11. Zambia Basketball Federation

12. Zambia Baseball & Softball Association

13. Zambia Bowling Association

14. Zambia Boxing Federation

15. Zambia Hockey Association

16. Zambia Squash Association

17. Zambia Weightlifting Federation

18. Zambia Table Tennis Association

19. Zambia Tennis Association

20. Zambia Swimming Union

21. Zambia University Sports Association

22. Zambia Volleyball Association

23. Zambia Rowing and Canoeing Association

24. Zambia Judo Association

25. Zambia Martial Arts Association