SPORT AND SUSTAINABILITY UNITE: CLIMATE ACTION AMBASSADORS SPARK CHANGE

On Friday, May 19th, 2023, the 5-week learning sprint focused on leveraging the power of sport to raise awareness about climate change and promote environmental sustainability among young people ended.

A colorful ceremony was held at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School to certify 47 out of the 60 climate game changers earlier today.

During the ceremony, Alfred Foloko, the President of NOC/CGA Zambia, emphasized the tremendous responsibility now entrusted upon the climate action ambassadors.

Foloko urged the climate ambassadors to recognize the weight they now carry on their shoulders. He stated, "You have been entrusted with the task of becoming beacons of change, spreading the message of climate action far and wide. Through your newly acquired knowledge and skills, you have the capacity to inspire your peers, your communities, and the nation. You are not merely ambassadors; you are catalysts for a sustainable future."

In a speech read on his behalf by Boniface Kambikambi, the Secretary General of NOC/CGA Zambia, Foloko highlighted that the certification marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

Kambikambi speaking during the event.

He encouraged the climate ambassadors to embrace this opportunity with open hearts and open minds, using their voices to educate and empower others. Foloko urged them to organize events, workshops, and campaigns that foster dialogue and drive action, collaborating with local communities, organizations, and authorities to bring about meaningful change. He emphasized the importance of their passion and determination, urging them to ignite a collective movement for environmental sustainability.

During the event, 47 students from Libala, Nyumba Yanga, Kaunda Square, and Kabulonga Boys Secondary Schools received their certificates of completion, becoming certified as Climate Action Ambassadors or Climate Game Changers. The event was graced by Ackim Banda, the Country Manager of the British Council. Thirteen more students are still undergoing education sessions and are expected to complete their certification during the extended week.

British Council Country Manager Ackim Banda speaking during the event

Enock Mwangilwa, the National Office Projects' Officer representing the Project Implementation Partner, Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WESCZ), delivered remarks on behalf of WECSZ National Coordinator Patrick Shawa. Also in attendance were Enock Mwewa, a member of NOC/CGA Zambia Sport and Environment Commission, and Jonathan Chipalo, the President of the Olympians Association of Zambia.

This initiative has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (NOC/CGA Zambia) and the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WESCZ), under the auspices of the Commonwealth Games Federation.