The event was held in collaboration with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), as part of the European body’s Partners Inclusive Sport Festival.

Organisers say over 600 children from Livingstone and the Maheba Refugee Camp in Solwezi and Lusaka participated.

It was the fifth edition of the NIF festival to be held, with the annual event aimed at providing more opportunities for young athletes.

The festival includes both able bodied and disabled athletes.

Organisers say the festival allows participants to take part in their chosen sport in a structured, safe, inclusive and fun environment.

The festival also includes an Olympic Value Education Programme (OVEP) Session, as well as offering healthy lifestyle and safe sport sessions.

This year’s event was given the theme "Inclusive Sport; play safe, keep safe, COVID is real."

NOCZ secretary general Boniface Kambikambi and Wana Kankinza, Zambia’s deputy director of sports from the Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts, were among the officials present at the festival.

Kankinza said the event gave athletes and young people an opportunity to explore different social issues and showcase their talents.

Zambia professional boxer Catherine Phiri and Olympian Rhoda Njobvu attended the event.

Njobvu represented Zambia at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games earlier this year, where the sprinter competed in the women’s 200 metres.

The NOCZ said the two athletes encouraged participants to maintain active and healthy lifestyles.