National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ

Merry Christmas from the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ Family! This festive season, we extend our warmest wishes to you, our cherished supporters, partners, and athletes. May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and togetherness. As we reflect on a remarkable year of sport, we are grateful for your continued support and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together in the coming year. Here’s to a holiday season full of cheer and a bright 2025 ahead!

NOCZ Congratulates Coach Jenipher Phiri on ICC Achievement with Distinction ----- The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia—NOCZ, Boniface Kambikambi warmly welcomed Badminton Coach Jenipher Phiri to the NOCZ Secretariat yesterday following her successful completion of the prestigious International Coaching Course (ICC). Coach Jenipher paid a courtesy call on the Secretary General to present her certificate, having completed the ICC programme with distinction. This globally recognized intermediate-level course is meticulously designed to train and educate coaches from diverse backgrounds. It emphasizes promoting coaching excellence by providing a structured approach to enhancing theoretical, technical, and practical coaching skills. The course equips participants with advanced knowledge and tools to develop their expertise in the field of sports coaching. Kambikambi congratulated Coach Jenipher on her outstanding performance during the programme and commended her dedication and commitment to advancing her professional skills. He encouraged her to apply the knowledge and techniques gained from the ICC to transform and elevate the coaching landscape in Zambia. He noted that the ICC programme’s focus on sports science and specialization offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary education in sports, with an emphasis on fostering talent at all levels—from grassroots to the Olympic podium. The Secretary-General further highlighted that NOCZ would leverage Coach Jenipher’s newly acquired technical capabilities by integrating her expertise into various programmes and activities. This initiative aims to build capacity across the national federations affiliated with the Olympic Committee and strengthen the overall sports development in Zambia. Coach Jenipher pursued the ICC programme under the Olympic Solidarity (OS) Scholarship facilitated by NOCZ. The course, organized by the @Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) International Relations Centre, is conducted in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee – IOC and supported by Olympic Solidarity. During the course, participants undergo rigorous training, including the study of 13 theoretical subjects such as Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Sport Analytics, Sport Pedagogy, Sport Psychology, and Sport Management. Additionally, participants engage in practical coaching assignments at leading Hungarian sports clubs. The programme tests coaches on both theoretical and practical aspects of their respective disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in Coach Jenipher’s professional journey but also underscores NOCZ’s commitment to investing in capacity-building initiatives that empower coaches to achieve excellence and drive the growth of sports in Zambia. Congratulations!

Our Secretariat staff earlier in the day spent some time reminiscing on how the year 2024 has been as they had their end-of-year outing. The staff were joined by NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi who shared a word of encouragement with them as they prepare to excute 2025 duties.

End of the Year 2024 Message by NOCZ President Alfred Foloko ---- Incredible! That’s the one word I can use to describe the 2024 sporting season for us at the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ. With 2024 being an Olympic year, when National Olympic Committees from across the globe gathered in Paris to celebrate the highest level of sport at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it was undoubtedly destined to be a year of celebration. Read the complete message on the link below 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dbmArYki

Season's Greetings from the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ! As 2024 comes to an end, we want to thank you for your continued support and celebrate the incredible milestones we've achieved together this year. May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Here's to a prosperous and inspiring 2025! #happyholidays #seasonsgreetings #TeamZambia #NOCZ

ANOCA Delegation Visits Angola Ahead of 2025 African Youth Games --- Alfred Foloko, President of ANOCA Zone VI and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ, is part of a high-level ANOCA delegation led by Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA-ANOCA), currently visiting Luanda, Angola. The visit, which began on Sunday, 15th December 2024, focuses on finalizing arrangements and signing the protocol for hosting the 4th African Youth Games to be held in December 2025. The delegation also includes ANOCA Vice President João Manuel da Costa Alegre, ANOCA President’s Assistant Mohamed Moncef, and Press Secretary Jean Tchaffo. Together with their Angolan counterparts, the delegation is assessing the readiness of sports infrastructure in Luanda, which will host the Games for the first time since Algiers, Algeria, held the event in 2018. Alfred Foloko’s participation underscores his pivotal role in advancing youth sports development within the Southern African region and across the continent. As ANOCA Zone VI President, his presence highlights the importance of regional leadership in preparing for a successful event that will bring together Africa’s young sporting talent. The Angolan Olympic Committee (COA), led by President Gustavo Dias Vaz da Conceição, has been an integral partner in this initiative. COA’s team, including Vice Presidents Pedro Godinho and Mario Rosa, Secretary-General António Monteiro, and members Sara Tavares David and Elisa Torres, has joined the ANOCA delegation in visiting key venues such as the Olympafrica Center in Viana, the 11 November Stadium, the Kilamba Multipurpose Arena Pavilion, the Alvalade Swimming Pool, and the 1st August sports facilities. The groundwork is being laid for an African Youth Games that will celebrate the spirit of African sport and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Final Reminder: Don’t Miss the Last Session of the "Navigating the 2025 WADA Prohibited List" Webinar Series! The 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee on 12th September 2024, will take effect on 1st January 2025. The Medical Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ invites you to join the third and final session of this must-attend webinar series. Why You Should Attend: This webinar is your last chance to gain essential insights and guidance on the updated prohibited list, ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate the upcoming changes. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or stakeholder, staying informed is critical for compliance and supporting fair play in sports. Session 3 Details: 📅 Date: Wednesday, 18th December 2024 ⏰ Time: 15:00–16:00hrs 📎 Meeting Link: https://lnkd.in/d7FtGGGG | PIN: ‪218 477 508‬# Make sure to mark your calendar and be part of this engaging and informative session. Let’s work together to uphold the integrity of sports by staying ahead of anti-doping regulations. Don’t miss out—this is your final opportunity to be part of this important conversation!

Congratulations Barbra Banda! 🇿🇲

Weekend Pick #60: Managing Human Resources in Olympic Sport Organizations The National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ continues to empower sports administrators through the Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC). The latest module, Managing Human Resources in Olympic Sport Organizations, emphasized the critical role effective human resource management plays in sports organizations' success. Building on the Managing Strategically module, participants transitioned into Module 3, facilitated by Katongo Bwalya (PhD) this past weekend. This engaging session featured group discussions centered on MOSO case studies, plenary presentations, and a rigorous module test, all aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge and strategic insights. The day concluded with a module test, setting the stage for the assignment to cover critical concepts. NOCZ Secretary General and Program Director Boniface Kambikambi wrapped up the session with a constructive feedback discussion and a dynamic Q&A segment, allowing participants to reflect on their learning experiences. The current intake is set to reconvene in January 2025 for in-person sessions, continuing their journey toward enhancing their sports management expertise. #capacitybuilding #ASMC #NOCZ

Judo Association Of Zambia Receives 2024 Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation ----- On Friday, 13th December 2024, the Judo Association of Zambia was honored with the prestigious 2024 Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation. This award recognizes the association's outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Zambia. The awarding ceremony, held at the Japanese Residence in Lusaka, was attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia - NOCZ, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), various National Sports Federations, and other key organizations. The award was presented by His Excellency Takeuchi Kazuyuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, to Judo Association of Zambia President Alfred Foloko on behalf of the Association. In his remarks, the Ambassador commended the association for its commitment to promoting inclusivity and youth development, particularly through its flagship program, “Judo for Peace.” This initiative has successfully nurtured young people, including those in refugee camps, by instilling the values of judo such as discipline and resilience. The Guest of Honor, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP, Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, was represented at the event by Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe. In his address, PS. Chileshe congratulated the Judo Association of Zambia for receiving the award and lauded its dedication to advancing the sport. He also emphasized the importance of international partnerships in fostering sports development, noting the valuable collaboration between Zambia and Japan. In his speech, Association President Alfred Foloko reflected on the transformative impact of judo within Zambian communities. He highlighted the “Judo for All” program, which focuses on empowering persons with disabilities through partnerships with various non-governmental organizations. He further expressed deep gratitude to the Japanese government and the Japanese Embassy for their steadfast support. According to Foloko, this collaboration has elevated judo beyond being merely a sport, using it as a tool to build stronger, more united communities. This milestone achievement places the Judo Association of Zambia among an esteemed group of honorees, with 186 individuals and 59 groups recognized globally in 2024. Congratulations to the association for this well-deserved accolade! Below is a selection of pictures from the event. Judo Association Of Zambia | African Judo Union | International Judo Federation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan