INTEGRITY IN SPORT WORKSHOP EMPOWERS NATIONS TO COMBAT COMPETITION MANIPULATION

Today, on 8 June 2023, the highly anticipated Integrity in Sport Online Workshop on Intelligence and Investigations took place, bringing together key stakeholders from Southern Africa. The workshop, organized by INTERPOL and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aimed to tackle the critical issue of competition manipulation and promote fair play in sports.

Representatives from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe eagerly took part in this dynamic and enlightening workshop, sharing their valuable insights and expertise.

The event kicked off with a wave of enthusiasm as Alfred Foloko, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone 6, and Stanley Mutoya, C.E.O of the African Union Sports Council Region 5, delivered their thought-provoking opening remarks.

Foloko left no doubt about the dedication of ANOCA Zone 6 in tackling competition manipulation head-on. With fiery conviction, he rallied participants to unite in their pursuit of safeguarding the integrity of sports, creating an unwavering foundation of trust and fairness upon which the athletic world can thrive.

At the heart of the workshop was a focus on the critical role played by law enforcement and sports disciplinary investigations. INTERPOL and IOC experts, Mr. Dieter Braekeveld, Integrity in Sports Training Officer, and Mr. Evangelos Alexandrakis, NOC Contact Manager, illuminated the intricacies of these investigations, unveiling the fascinating parallels, distinctions, and symbiotic relationship between the two fields.

Boniface Kambikambi, the Secretary General of NOCZ, and Nchimunya Mweetwa, a passionate IOC Believe in Sport Ambassador, shared their experiences and insights, providing inspiration and showcasing Zambia's unwavering commitment to combatting competition manipulation. Their captivating narratives left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all attendees, igniting a collective fire to uphold the highest standards of integrity within the nation's sports landscape.

International cooperation in sports disciplinary and law enforcement investigations was another crucial aspect discussed during the workshop. INTERPOL and IOC emphasized the significance of collaboration and sharing resources to effectively address the international dimension of investigations. The workshop served as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation and foster relationships among participating nations.

The discussions were fruitful, allowing participants to exchange valuable knowledge, strategies, and best practices in combating competition manipulation. Throughout the sessions, there was a strong sense of determination and a shared commitment to upholding fair play and safeguarding the integrity of sports.

The Anti-Corruption Commission of Zambia delivered a powerful presentation on corruption in sports within the country. The insights shared shed light on the existing challenges and emphasized the collective responsibility to root out corruption from the sporting ecosystem.

The Integrity in Sport Workshop was a resounding success, providing participants with valuable insights, strategies, and a strengthened network of professionals committed to preserving the integrity of sports. The knowledge gained from this workshop will undoubtedly contribute to the continued fight against competition manipulation and the promotion of fair and clean sports across the participating nations.

NOCZ expresses its gratitude to INTERPOL, the IOC, and all the participants for their active engagement and commitment to the cause. Together, we can build a future where sports are played with integrity, fairness, and the spirit of true competition.