National Olympic Committee of Zambia Athletes’ Commission hosts athlete engagement workshop
The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Athletes’ Commission held their annual engagement workshop in Lusaka, Zambia, to share vital sporting knowledge with their athletes and listen to their concerns.
NOCZ Athletes’ Commission member Sydney Siame opened the workshop, which saw representatives from a variety of National Federations (NFs) attending, by explaining the role of the Commission and how it helps athletes deal with sensitive issues.
Siame stated that the aim of the workshop was for the elected Athletes’ Commission representatives to meet athletes and explain how the Commission operates. He encouraged athletes to sign up to the Athlete365 online platform to help them gain a better understanding of the sports industry.
“Since our election into office, we have visited 50 per cent of federations, and talks on athletes’ concerns have been held with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts,” Siame said.
Olympians Association President Jonathan Chipalo was also present at the workshop where he shared his experience on how the Athletes365 platform helped him transition to his new career following his retirement as a professional athlete.
“When my career in sport ended, I thought that was the end of my life, but I signed up to the Athlete356 online learning platform and enrolled in different courses,” the 60-year-old former sprinter said. “I was then given an opportunity to study a business accelerator course. After completion, I registered my own company and my business was able to successfully function though the COVID-19 pandemic.”
NOCZ Communications Officer Felix Munyika highlighted upcoming multi-sport events in 2023 and explained how the team selection process for the NFs and NOCZ would be applied for various competitions.
Meanwhile, NOCZ Safe Sport Officer Prudence Nswana described what safe sport means and explained how to ensure it is practiced within NFs. She added that the NOCZ has adopted a whistleblowing policy to protect athletes and give them the confidence to report on safeguarding issues.
Athletes’ Commission Chair Richard Mulenga concluded the workshop by emphasising the importance of the Olympic Values Education Programme, and how athletes should pay attention to these values to help them throughout their careers.
