Royal & Ancient (R&A) Golf Development Manager - Africa, Eden Thompson yesterday met with National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi to discuss key issues relevant to advancing the sport of Golf in the country as part of his various engagements during his visit to Zambia.
In the company of Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) General Secretary, Edward Phiri, Thompson engaged in a knowledge-sharing meeting where he elaborated on the mandates and objectives of R&A and the many laid down programmes and projects to be executed in the country key to Golf development. His visit has a primary objective of assessing the progress made within the ZGU and the development of amateur golfers who had undergone training sponsored by R&A among others.
Kambikambi also highlighted the activities of NOCZ giving valuable insights into the functions and work of the Committee and its direct involvement with affiliate national federations such as ZGU through initiatives such as the Safe Sport Single Point of Contact (SPOC) training, to acquaint the R&A Manager on the mandate of NOCZ.
”SPOCS are trained as the entry point into sports federations, serving as a vital bridge between them and the NOC their role extends to assisting federations in the implementation of policies and addressing the challenges faced by sports bodies, “ he said.
R&A Manager expressed delight in the work being done through the SPOCs, critical in ensuring the safety and welfare of athletes in advancing Golf within the communities and at national level, further highlighting the many programmes and projects yet to be introduced and implemented in collaboration with NOCZ in promoting young talent and grassroot development.
NOCZ plays a pivotal role in empowering local coaches and monitoring the internal affairs of sports federations necessitating the importance of collaborating with R&A in implementing high performance development programmes, which will focus on attracting individuals from different local communities and identifying local talent. This initiative will not only promote inclusivity in sports but also contribute to the overall development of the country's golfing talent pool.
During his visit, Thompson is expected to meet key stakeholders for the purpose of sports advancement which is also key to ascertaining the country's potential to host international golf tournaments.
The discussion also touched upon golf's inclusion in the Olympic Games and Zambia's participation in the Olympic golf competition by 2032, a testament to the nation's commitment in advancing the sport.
ZGU General Secretary noted the importance of meetings with organizations like NOCZ, emphasizing the honor of collaborating with long-standing institutions like it, dedicated to sports advancement.
“NOCZ’s contributions to uplifting the standards of sport in the country have not gone unnoticed, and the partnership the Golf Union crucial for the continued development of Golf in Zambia,” he said.
Eden Thompson's first visit to Zambia, marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance Golf development. The collaborative efforts of the NOCZ, ZGU, and the R&A underscore the commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the safety of athletes.
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