11/12/2024
COPPERBELT ATHLETICS AREA BOARD HOLDS INAUGURAL AWARDS GALA DINNER!
The Copperbelt Athletics Area Board has set the pace on a breaking record initiative to recognize exceptional athletes for their achievements in 2024 through an award ceremony held in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province on Saturday, 7th December.
The awards ceremony, mainly sponsored by Kansanshi Mining PLC, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and the first of its kind by an area board in the history of Zambian athletics, attracted officials, corporate sponsors, and sports enthusiasts, all celebrating the power of sports in transforming lives and communities.
Speaking during the inaugural event, National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa, used the occasion to call for unity and adherence to governance principles within sports federations. “I wish to urge all the federations to always put the interest of athletes first. Sports is primarily about the athletes as beneficiaries. We are here today because of the athletes,” Musunsa said, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment for athletes to thrive. Musunsa stressed the need for inclusivity and freedom of expression within sports associations, calling them public entities. “Associations are public organizations, and members must feel free to express themselves in accordance with laid-down statutes. We will not watch our sports be negatively impacted by ill-serving individuals who want to take us backward,” Musunsa stated firmly.
He reiterated the NSCZ’s commitment to upholding good governance standards as outlined in the Sports Council Act and national federation constitutions. “Adhere to governance tenets in line with the Sports Council Acts and national federation constitutions. As Sports Council, we will ensure that all individuals and national federations religiously abide by the provisions of the Act established under the laws of Zambia,” he said. Musunsa called on all stakeholders to unite for the betterment of sports. “We call on everyone to unite and fight no more. Let us ensure we work together to develop sport,” Musunsa urged, signaling the importance of collaboration for progress.
The CEO concluded his speech with a note of celebration and gratitude. “Allow me to congratulate the athletes and the area board for the job well done. Congratulations to all the winners,” he said, applauding their efforts and achievements.
In addition, as the main sponsor, Kansanshi Mining PLC Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Manager, Arnold Malambo, emphasized the mine’s longstanding commitment to fostering athletic talent. “Today marks a significant milestone in the development of athletics as the Copperbelt Athletics have set the pace to appreciate athletes for their outstanding performance in the year,” Malambo said.
He underlined Kansanshi Mining PLC’s contributions to sports, including football, cycling, netball, rowing, golf, and athletics, emphasizing how these programs serve as vital avenues for youth development. “By investing in sports, we are investing in the future, promoting well-being, fostering inclusion, and supporting the development of the next generation of leaders,” Malambo stated.
“As a mining company, we understand the important role of sports in the communities where we operate. It is about creating positive, lasting impacts on the lives of the people around us,” Malambo emphasized.
Citing the inspiring journey of Samuel Matete, an Olympic medalist and world-class athlete, Malambo illustrated how sports can unlock potential in ways traditional education might not. “Matete is a living testament to how sports can shape a young person’s life, even when academic paths may not seem as promising,” he stated.
Malambo reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering sports as a vehicle for community empowerment and inclusion. “By investing in sports, we are investing in the future, promoting well-being, fostering inclusion, and supporting the development of the next generation of leaders,” he said.
Meanwhile, a special guest at the event, Zambia Athletics Vice President Maj. Bernard Bwalya expressed his commitment to expanding the awards in future ceremonies. “We want to see how we can increase the number of athletes to be awarded and also the officials that help the athletes to be where they are,” he said, recognizing the critical role of coaches and support staff.
Maj. Bwalya encouraged the Copperbelt Athletics Area Board to engage more companies to support struggling clubs and motivate athletes to continue excelling. “To the athletes, work extra hard and continue to shine in your sports,” he said.
Olympic medallist Samuel Matete said the idea of appreciating athletes is to motivate them to do even better in their sporting activities. He said the initiative aimed at inspiring the athletes and making them realize their importance.
Enex Appel and Ruth Mutale were the best male and female athletes of the year on the Copperbelt, each walking away with K 2,300.
Other athletes also received different amounts in different categories that included young male/female athletes of the year, long distances athletes of the season, middle distance male/female athlete of the year, field events male/female athletes of the year, runner-up athlete of the year and the athletic club of the year on the Copperbelt.
By Clinton Masumba.
