TEAM ZAMBIA OFFICIALLY SENT OFF AHEAD OF GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA) on Friday, 26 June, hosted an official send-off ceremony for Team Zambia at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Lusaka ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, said Zambia’s participation in the Games represents far more than competition.

He described the Games as an opportunity for the country to showcase its talent, resilience and determination on the international stage while strengthening the bonds that unite nations through sport.

A pose for a photo after the sendoff event.

Chileshe said Team Zambia carries the hopes and aspirations of more than 20 million Zambians and urged the athletes to represent the country with honour.

“You are ambassadors of our nation, our culture and our values. The manner in which you conduct yourselves both on and off the field will reflect the character of our country,” said Chileshe.

He commended the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia, National Sports Federations, coaches, administrators and all stakeholders for their commitment in preparing Team Zambia for the Games.

“Their dedication continues to strengthen the Olympic and Commonwealth Games movement in Zambia,” he added.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia President Alfred Foloko, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Treasurer Victor Banda, said the send-off ceremony celebrated the dedication, sacrifice, discipline and national pride demonstrated by Team Zambia in preparation for Glasgow 2026.

Foloko encouraged the athletes to remain united, compete with purpose and uphold the values of dignity, discipline, determination and integrity throughout the Games.

“We are not only going to participate; we are going to compete with purpose. We are going to aim higher, push harder and represent Zambia with dignity and determination,” said Foloko.

British High Commissioner to Zambia H.E. Rebecca Terzeon described the Commonwealth Games as a unique platform that brings together a diverse family of nations.

She said the Games unite countries not through geography but through shared values, common experiences and a commitment to learning from one another.

Terzeon wished Team Zambia success in Scotland and encouraged the athletes to continue inspiring the nation through their determination, resilience and sportsmanship.

Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA) Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi expressed gratitude to the Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the British High Commission, invited guests and N.R. Investments for sponsoring Team Zambia with athletes’ hampers.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa, OYDC Zambia - Sports Development Centre Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe, Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Tembo, Sports Consultant Elias Mpondela, National Federation presidents, including Guy Phiri and Major Bernard Bwalya, federation representatives, coaches, athletes, Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia board members, members of the Marketing Commission, Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) Head of Corporate Affairs Luke Njobvu, representatives from N.R. Investments and the National Paralympic Committee of Zambia.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 23rd edition of the event, will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The event will also be the first Commonwealth Games held since His Majesty King Charles III became Head of the Commonwealth.

Zambia will be represented by 22 athletes competing in five sports: athletics, boxing, judo, lawn bowls and swimming from 23 July to 2 August 2026.