GOVERNMENT is placing a big bet on sports as a tool for social and economic development.

GOVERNMENT is placing a big bet on sports as a tool for social and economic development.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts, led by minister Elvis Nkandu announced plans to utilise sports as a platform to speak out for the realisation of human rights, campaign for social economic progress and raise funds to alleviate poverty.

This move highlights a shift towards a more strategic approach to sports development in Zambia.

“Government through the ministry acknowledges and appreciates the fact that sport can be used as a platform to speak out for the realization of human rights, campaign for social economic progress and raise funds to alleviate poverty,” Nkandu said.

“To this end the government will continue to support the development of sport through the provision of quality sports facilities. Additionally Government will continue to use sport as a means to promote physical well-being and social cohesion within communities.”

By investing in infrastructure, promoting inclusivity, and fostering commercialization, the government hopes to unlock the potential of sports to drive social cohesion, human rights advocacy, and economic growth through sports tourism.

The upcoming launch of the 2024 National Sports Policy underscores this commitment.

This policy is expected to prioritise areas like commercialisation and inclusivity, suggesting a focus on creating a sustainable sporting ecosystem that benefits both athletes and the nation.

Nkandu also pointed out that the increment and equalisation of allowances between male and female football players and other athletes participating in various Olympic games stood as a winning motivation.

“There are people that have been disputing [but you] can ask FAZ. We had a big jump from K50 to US$5000 per winning bonus. In addition the ministry has also equalised the allowance of the senior male and female football players.”

“This intervention is a notable motivation to our female athletes that has led to them recording remarkable achievements in the football fraternity such as qualifying to the 2023 FIFA World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympic games” he said.

Meanwhile, Nkandu added that Zambia has for the first time minted the highest number of medals at an event, citing the recent 13th edition of African Games held in Ghana where a total of 15 medals were won.

The minister also hailed the achievements of athletes such as Patrick Chinyemba in boxing, Muzala Samukonga in athletics, swimmer, Mia Phiri and Judoka Steven Mu’ngandu among others.

By Elesani Phiri

Kalemba April 17, 2024