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First Ever Zambian Sport for Development Awards
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Sport In Action (SIA), in partnership with the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), organised the first ever Sport for Development Awards ceremony in Zambia. The event was ground-breaking as it rewarded and recognised those who had contributed to sport at the very grassroots level including sports teachers, coaches, the media, ministries and the private sector.

The first ever Zambian Sport for Development Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 20th November 2008. The event was to celebrate SIA’s 10 years of existence and to reward those who work at the very grassroots level of sport. Corporate entities, ministries and the media were awarded for their involvement in sport as a tool for social change as well as teachers, coaches, athletes and children.

The method of determining nominees was ground-breaking. Rather than offering the public names to choose from, SIA called on members of the public to submit nominations for anyone that they felt deserved an award. As a result we received the names and profiles of over 500 individuals and institutions operating throughout Zambia in Sport for Development. Clearly people took full advantage of the opportunity to thank properly that coach, teacher or parent who had shown them special support and encouragement and who they had never been able to thank before.

There were 11 categories of awards, each sponsored by one institution, be it a corporate or media entity, a ministry or another organisation. A twelfth category of awards comprised special SIA Game On awards only, highlighting particularly outstanding achievements and contributions of certain individuals and institutions.

These included awards to Violet Bwalya and Joseph Mugobo, two children with disabilities who earned Zambia’s first ever medals at the Special Olympics in 2007, as well as Esther Phiri, the renowned boxer, who has acted as an inspiration for girls in sport, and Samuel Matete, the athlete, for his outstanding contributions to community community sport.

The new Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Minister Kenneth Chipungu, was the Guest of Honour. The First Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, also graced the occasion to receive a special award and the former First Lady, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa, also received an award on behalf of the late President, Dr. Levi Mwanawasa. The event was beamed live by ZNBC on national television.

A huge thank you must go to the sponsors of the event: ZNBC, Ministry of Community Development & Social Services, IAYS, National Milling Corporation, Kicking AIDS Out, Associated Printers, Multi Choice, Coca Cola, Zambia Army, Zambia National Services, Save The Children Sweden, Durham University, Mad Max Autospares, Zesco, Pulggie Sports, Blue Crest Executive Lodge, Natural Valley, Californian Beverages and British Council.

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