The NOCZ trained eight representatives in safe sport with hopes of having a Safe Sport Single Point of Contact for all 28 National Federations ©NOCZ

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) has trained eight representatives from eight National Federations to be their organisation's respective Safe Sport Single Point Of Contact (SPOC).

Sessions on the first day focused on safeguarding, corruption, match-fixing and sexual harassment exploitation and abuse (SHEA).

Day two centred on SHEA in sport, including visits to the National Sports Development Centre and other nearby centres, which featured a feedback session about the fundamentals of safe sport. 

Ndola Nutrition Organisation executive director Halumba Munachonga gave a virtual presentation on policy development to conclude day two.

Day three closed the SPOC training with a session on action track planning and presentation.

In attendance at the session was Maureen Kolomwe of Zambia Athletics, Carol Chipupu of the Zambia Judo Association, Gravies Mwanza and Mercy Njobvu of Zambia Tennis Association, Wisdom Kaunda of Zambia Table Tennis Association, Kenny Matishi of Zambia Baseball and Softball Association, Eneless Mambwe of the Zambia Hockey Association and Memory Suliya of the Handball Association of Zambia.

In conclusion, NOCZ secretary general Boniface Kambikambi said: "I hope that you go ahead and indicate KPIs (key performance indicators) of which the NOCZ, through the Commission and Safe Sport desk officer, can help deliver and be adopted in the federation’s strategic plans."

NOCZ Safe Sport Commission chairperson Gloria Mubita helped conduct the session ©NOCZ
NOCZ Safe Sport Commission chairperson Gloria Mubita helped conduct the session ©NOCZ

Zambia Athletics representative Maureen Kolomwe, who took part in the session, said: "The training has helped us understand a lot of things that we’ve been giving a blind eye to, the facilitators have been so wonderful in helping us realise the importance of Safe Sport in our organisations."

Kolomwe added: "We would be happy if we continuously have such meetings so that we help ourselves understand more on how we can help athletes out there."

At the session, Kambikambi reiterated the NOCZ's commitment to safe governance in sport.

Kambikambi admitted the NOCZ would like all 28 National Federations to have trained and certified SPOCs.

NOCZ Safe Sport Commission chairperson Gloria Mubita helped conduct the session.

Mubita, who is also the national coordinator at the Victim Support Unit (VSU) at the Zambia Police Service, said: "This is encouraging for me as the chairperson of the Commission and I’m proud to note that the NOCZ and other stakeholders are working towards creating a safe environment in sport."