By Oliver Chisenga
MINISTER of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP says Zambia has continued to be an active member of the Region 5, and remains resolute in supporting the collective agenda and effort in promoting sustainable sport development for its citizens.
Speaking during the 6th edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards ceremony held in Lusaka, Nkandu said to this end, Zambia is indebted as a member to continue providing support towards the success and development of its people using numerous approaches in sport.
Welcoming guests from the ten Region 5 member countries, Nkandu recalled that Zambia hosted in the recent past events such as the Region 5 Strategic Plan Review Forum and the inaugural regional Walk For Life which was held in Livingstone last September.
He noted that once again, Zambia was privileged to have the honour of hosting the commemoration of the RASA.
“In addition, we will be celebrating the inaugural silver jubilee awards. It is indeed a great honour and pleasure to welcome you, this evening to the 6th edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards ceremony where we will be celebrating the outstanding performances of our regional sportsmen and women under the theme ‘Celebrating excellence, inspiring innovation’,” Nkandu said.
He said Zambia cherished the occasion and happily welcomed its guests to Lusaka.
“Therefore, we shall celebrate together, as a family, the achievements of our heroes and heroines in our region. Your honour the Vice President, we are indeed once again grateful and privileged to welcome our visitors to Zambia.”
Nkandu said the RASA awards are meant to appreciate the athletes’ hard work by keeping the passion of sport alive in the spirits and minds of all its member states.
Nkandu informed the guest of honour, Vice President Mutale Nalumango that the event would be rewarding the region’s outstanding sportsmen and women for their frantic efforts of making expanse proud on and off the sporting field.
He added that they would also pay tribute to sports administrators, coaches and technical officials who have given themselves for the love of the sport, to ensure the smooth operations, imparting skills and strategies to athletes and for taking charge of the game on the field.
He urged those that were not awarded to be motivated to work harder to win next time around.
Nkandu thanked the local organising committee, sponsors and the Region 5 secretariat for working tirelessly to ensure the RASA ceremony was a success.
“Finally, I look forward to extending a warm Zambian welcome to our visiting ministers, permanent secretaries, sports administrators, athletes, coaches, journalists, fans and other officials. It is my hope that our hospitality reflects the warmth and friendliness that define our nation. I hope we made your stay not just memorable but truly unforgettable,” said Nkandu.
The Mole
