NOCZ President Witnesses Government’s Support for Athletes in Jamaica
The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President, Alfred Foloko, has commended the Zambian government for its unwavering support of the nation’s athletes, as Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Elvis Nkandu MP, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering sports excellence.
The announcement was made in Jamaica, where Zambia’s athletics team is undergoing high-performance training following their remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which saw Muzala Samukonga clinch a historic bronze medal in the 400m final.
This initiative falls under the Presidential Athlete Support Initiative, a strategic partnership involving private sector players such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Micmar. The program aims to elevate Zambia’s athletic potential and ensure the country remains competitive on the global stage.
Minister Nkandu emphasized the government’s vision of extending this initiative beyond athletics to other sporting disciplines, with a special focus on promoting inclusivity and increasing women’s participation in sports.
He reassured stakeholders that no sport would be considered minor in Zambia and that equal opportunities would be provided to all athletes.
NOCZ President Alfred Foloko expressed deep gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for prioritizing athlete development. He highlighted the significance of sustained support, stating that such initiatives are crucial in helping Zambia secure more medals in international competitions. Foloko also appealed to the government to extend this initiative beyond athletics, particularly for athletes preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela provided updates on the training camp in Jamaica, revealing that the athletes had recently participated in a competition, where they delivered stellar performances.
He attributed their success to the high-performance training under the mentorship of renowned coach Greg Mills, who has previously worked with sprinting legend Usain Bolt and other top Jamaican athletes.
Meanwhile, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia CEO, Mark Townsend, reiterated the private sector’s commitment to bolstering Zambian sports. He revealed that his company is actively engaging corporate stakeholders to raise funds for more training camps, ensuring athletes are well-prepared for international competitions.
As Zambia continues to make strategic investments in sports, the country is positioning itself for greater success on the global stage. The team in Jamaica is also using the training camp to prepare for the upcoming World Relay Championships in China, further demonstrating Zambia’s ambition to excel in athletics worldwide.
