NOCZ CELEBRATES INCLUSIVE SPORT FESTIVAL'S 5TH EDITION.

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) in partnership with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) today hosted the 5th edition of NIF Partner’s Inclusive Sport Festival for young boys and girls.

The sporting festival was held at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka and celebrated under the theme ‘Inclusive Sport; play safe, keep safe, covid is real’.

Track Athlete/Olympian Rhoda Njobvu leading the children through the paces of Kids Athletics. Picture by NOCZ Media

Speaking at the event Deputy Director of Sports from the Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts Ms Waana Kankinza said the theme speaks to the need for greater involvement of all in the fight against Covid 19 and provision of a safe and non-judgemental environment in sport.

Ms Wana added that such events give athletes and young people an opportunity to explore different social issues and showcase their sporting talents.

Meanwhile, NOCZ Secretary-General Boniface Kambikambi said it was encouraging to see athletes actively engaged in the different sports activities.

He encouraged the athletes to continue taking sport seriously for their self-development and mental health.

The Inclusive Sports Festival is celebrated annually and is aimed at creating more opportunities for young athletes both able-bodied and differently-abled to take part in the sport of their choice in a structured, safe, inclusive and fun environment and provide a platform to share Olympic Value Education Programme (OVEP) Session, healthy lifestyle and safe sport sessions with the young athletes amongst other activities.

Over 600 young boys and girls from Livingstone, Maheba Refugee Camp in Solwezi and Lusaka participated.

Zambian Professional Boxer Catherine Phiri poses for a photo with one of the participants. Picture by NOCZ Media

Zambia professional Boxer Catherine Phiri and Track Athlete/Olympian Rhoda Njobvu graced the festival. The Duo used the opportunity to interact and share words of encouragement with the participants.

The Festival was organised in conjunction with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) partners in Zambia i.e. National Organisation for Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (NOWSPAR), Sport in Action, Edusport Foundation, Response Network and selected Sports Associations (i.e. Judo, Athletics, Netball).

CHECK OUT SELECTED IMAGES FROM THE FESTIVAL👇🏾