By Noah Silomba
OVER 700 young talented athletes were on Saturday 13 July 2024 rewarded with medals and trophies during the 2024 Teulings Youth Sports Challenge mid-year tournament.
The tournament sponsored by Coen Teulings Chairman of Merifin Capital in Belgium was organised by the OYDC Zambia. It provided an opportunity for athletes to undergo several health checks such as ear nose, throat and eye.
The athletes represented basketball, hockey, boxing, beach volleyball, judo, football, taekwondo, teqball, baseball5, handball, rugby, and netball.
Before getting rewarded teams which were invited to the sports facility competed with the top ones emerging victorious to be honoured.
OYDC Zambia Human Resource and Administration Manager Arthur Mwale congratulated athletes for successfully turning up to participate in the mid-year Teulings Youth Sports Challenge and subsequently getting to receive their much-deserving rewards.
He encouraged the athletes to continue with their spirit of sportsmanship and continue training and taking part in all league games stating that the OYDC Zambia will at the end of the year host the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge grand finale where more rewards will be given.
Meanwhile, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Athletes Commission Chairperson Richard Mulenga appealed to athletes who didn’t receive medals and trophies never to give up telling them that their time will come.
Mulenga expressed joy at the manner athletes showcased their skills during the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge mid-year tournament. He added that his commission remains committed to championing more athletes to be rewarded for their hard work and participation in tournaments such as the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge.
The Teulings Youth Sports Challenge remains one of the biggest youthful leagues in the country which has seen several top players getting selected to join national teams and top local clubs.
It was launched at the OYDC Zambia in 2011 with support from Coen Teulings Chairman of Merifin Capital in Belgium.
