HH TO LAUNCH U-18, U-20 CAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema will officiate at the launch of the 2023 under-18 and Under-20 African athletics championships that will be held in Ndola.
Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela said the presence of the head of state at the youth championship which will feature over 50 countries will motivate the country to deliver a successful championship.
Mpondela hailed President Hichilema for his commitment to support the growth of athletics since he assumed office.
“It is incredibly motivating to have the head of state to officially launch the championship. For us it dates back to a year ago when he showed interest to be part of the intercompany relay. He stayed for seven hours, clearly, it’s a posture which indicates that for the new dawn administration, sport is a business activity. Sport is an employment creation opportunity and so what an endorsement of a presence,” Mpondela said.
He said President Hichilema is igniting interest in the international community to come to Zambia and explore tourism.
“Tourism if promoted is a great thing because foreign exchange generation is not only on the production but human capital we make and sports is key to accelerating what we are trying to do,” Mpondela said.
Mpondela also appreciated government through the ministry of Sports Youth and Arts for its efforts to ensure that the athletics championship is a success.
He said Team Zambia which has already set up camp in Ndola is preparing well to make the country proud despite having faced a few challenges.
Meanwhile, Mpondela says over 700 athletes from 47 countries are already in Ndola for the five-day event which will take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Mpondela disclosed that the CAA Congress is on today where a new executive will be ushered in by the participating members.