NOCZ Awards Ten Athletes with Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Solidarity Scholarships

On 24 January 2025, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) awarded Olympic Solidarity Scholarships to ten elite athletes to support their preparation and qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The ceremony which was held in Lusaka marked as a significant milestone in Zambia’s long-term athlete development strategy and commitment to enhancing its Olympic presence.

A photo with the athletes after the presentation of the scholarship awards.

In his keynote address, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko formally unveiled the ten scholarship beneficiaries drawn from five sporting disciplines. The recipients are Muzala Samukonga (Athletics), Niddy Mingilishi (Athletics), Edna Ng’andula (Athletics), Simon Zulu (Judo), Rita Kabinda (Judo), Mia Phiri (Swimming), Zach Moyo (Swimming), Christopher Kajira (Taekwondo), Blessings Chanda (Taekwondo) and Mukuka Chande (Skateboarding).

President Foloko expressed confidence that the scholarships will play a critical role in enhancing the athletes’ preparation as they begin the journey towards qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games.

He noted that the support, funded by the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity, will enable the athletes to access quality coaching, structured training programmes, medical and scientific support, as well as regular competition exposure.

“The National Olympic Committee of Zambia is hopeful that with this support, these ten athletes will be able to prepare adequately and competitively for their qualification to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” said President Foloko. “This programme is a strategic investment in our athletes and in the future of Zambian sport.”

Following President Foloko’s address, NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi outlined the operational framework of the scholarship programme, stating that the support will run until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

He explained that the scholarship is divided into separate terms, each running for a four-month period, referred to as a “Quadrimester,” and that continued support is subject to strict compliance with performance and reporting obligations.

Kambikambi emphasised that each athlete must formally agree to comply with the provisions of the Olympic Charter currently in force, use their best efforts to obtain qualification for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, and abide by all instructions given by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, the designated training centre and Olympic Solidarity throughout the training period.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts' Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, who was the guest of honour commended the NOCZ for its continued collaboration with national sports federations in identifying deserving athletes and implementing transparent athlete development programmes. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote high-performance sport and create opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest level.

The Olympic Solidarity Scholarships are awarded under a structured framework that provides monthly financial support, renewable in four-month terms, subject to performance, compliance and reporting requirements. The programme is designed to ensure that athletes receive holistic preparation in line with the Olympic Charter and Olympic Solidarity guidelines.

The ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the United States Embassy and the Embassy of France in Zambia, officials from various national sports associations, and the National Sports Council of Zambia, reflecting the strong institutional and diplomatic support towards Zambia’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic community, the United States Embassy in Zambia Public Affairs Officer, Naomi Mattos, disclosed that the United States is looking forward to warmly welcoming Team Zambia to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

She expressed confidence that the Zambian athletes will be well-received as they prepare to compete on American soil.

Meanwhile,Elise Liotard, Political and Cooperation Attaché at the Embassy of France in Zambia, stated that her country was pleased to have witnessed Team Zambia’s participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Muzala Samukonga made history by winning a bronze medal for Zambia in the 400 metres race, a performance that continues to inspire the next generation of Zambian athletes.

As the road to Los Angeles 2028 begins, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia has expressed optimism that this investment will yield positive results, with the ultimate goal of seeing Zambian athletes qualify, compete strongly, and bring pride to the nation on the world’s biggest sporting stage.