Zambian Sport and Development Awards 2011

Shamenda said he was grateful that various stakeholders had continued contributing effectively to the development of sport in the country and said "I wish to acknowledge on behalf of government that the private sector is a very important partner in the development of sport in this country."

Investing in sport
"I am happy to know a number of companies are investing in sports programmes in our country and I urge more companies and individuals to invest in grassroots sport so as to nurture athletes of tomorrow," Shamenda continued.

He  was happy to learn that Sport In Action(SIA) had factored the event in its calendar and would be celebrated annually. Shamenda said government was committed to introducing physical education and sport in the school curriculum.

"Our vision as government is that physical education and sport can be taught in all institutions of learning. However, my government is aware of the various challenges our schools and communities face including limited and dilapidated sport facilities, poor or no availability of sport equipment and limited human resource,'' Shamenda said.

Increased funding
He said it was due to the Patriotic Front government's commitment to sport that it had increased funding to sport hence the increase in budgetary allocation. ''This is why the government has increased funding to sport from K9 billion in the 2011 budget to K17 billion in the 2012 budget, the increase will help in rehabilitating and building sports infrastructure in Lusaka and other provinces,'' said Shamenda.

Celebrating grassroots
And SIA president, Clement Chileshe said the purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate lives of individuals and institutions that have contributed to the development of sport in the country. "Zambia has had so much focus on the big names, but for us we want to motivate the people that are not known known but are making a great contribution to development of sport in the country,'' Chileshe explained.

Winners on the night
Meanwhile, Chess International Master Daniel Jere, Judoka Esther Sandu and the netball team who won medals at the Maputo 2011 All Africa Games were among the sportsmen that were awarded by SIA. Others awarded were The Post reporter, Henry Sinyangwe for the outstanding development media award with Nicholas Chishimba scooping the outstanding contribution and achievement in physical education.

Outstanding Achievement
Joshua Kanyemba won the outstanding achievement by a youth athlete while Mufalo Mufalo was awarded for the outstanding contribution and achievement in youth sport by a sports administrator. Others awarded in various categories are Titus Mizinga, Mupopo Kabange. The award for the outstanding contribution and achievement by a teacher by a teacher and a school went to Justine Kabungo and Choma secondary school respectively while Trevor Kanyanta won the award for the outstanding courage, determination and sportsmanship.

Kicking AIDS out (KAO) Network awarded Daniel Ndabala and Carol Chibamba for their contribution and achievement by a male and female peer leader respectively while Sammy Thaimu won the outstanding contribution and achievement by a KAO leader for 10 years.