Major Bernard Bwalya - ZA President

GRATITUDE FOR HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL YELLOWSTRIPE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

15th March 2026

I felt truly *humbled and honored* to spend this day with my beloved brothers and sisters in sport, supporting and encouraging our athletes as they competed for slots in the National Team.

*The energy, passion, discipline, and positivity* displayed throughout the day were overwhelming and deeply encouraging. It was a beautiful reminder that athletics in Zambia is alive, growing, full of talent and full of promise.

Our *coaches and Technical Officials* were on top of things, demonstrating commitment, professionalism, and excellence. This is how it should be. When everyone understands their role and performs it with passion and discipline, the sport moves forward with confidence.

We proudly hosted more than 300 athletes who competed with determination and focus for places in the National Team. Their participation shows that athletics in Zambia is growing and that young people are embracing the power of sport to transform their lives.

To the *Copperbelt Athletics Area Board Chairperson Samuel Matete Oly* and your Executive your ex*****on of this task was absolutely top-notch. You delivered with excellence, organization, and dedication. The event was well managed, and your commitment and togetherness to the development of athletics was evident to all that we are indeed united in sport.

To *my Vice President, General Secretary, and the entire Executive* , thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment. Your belief in our vision and hard work made this day and every achievement possible.

To the *Yellowstripe Foundation,* thank you for sponsoring this important event. Your support is more than sponsorship — it is a powerful encouragement to our sport and a clear sign that the future of athletics can be bright when partners believe in the vision.

We also wish to sincerely thank the *ZA Secretariat* , the true engine of the Federation, for continuously pushing the work of Zambia Athletics forward with dedication, commitment, and professionalism. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes keep the Federation moving, and we deeply appreciate the vital role you play in driving our sport ahead.”

We are deeply encouraged by the growing willingness of the *corporate world* to support our programmes because they have seen that this is not just talk — it is a clear vision backed by clear and genuine intention, action, discipline, and a genuine commitment to grow sport and transform young lives through athletics.

And to *our athletes* — thank you for your courage, discipline, resilience, and determination. You gave your all on the track and in the field, and you reminded us why we continue to fight for the growth and development of athletics in Zambia.

*To those who have been selected for National Team* preparations ahead of major qualification events and major competitions, your journey has just begun. This is not the destination — it is the beginning of greater responsibility, harder work, and a higher calling to represent Zambia with pride, discipline, and excellence.

For some of you, your pay cheque has just started — but let it be known that this is not a reward for comfort. It is a call to greater sacrifice, greater discipline, and greater commitment to the badge and to the nation. The moment you wear national colours, the expectations rise. You must now work harder, stay focused, and remain humble.

*We sincerely thank all the clubs, sponsors, and community clubs that came through with sacrifice and dedication* . Your calls for support have been heard, and we shall act to ensure you are empowered. Those clubs that are still unratified will be formally recognized and ratified giving them a legitimate voice in our system.

We are committed to giving these clubs a legitimate voice, ensuring they add value and have full legitimacy as part of Zambia Athletics in sport development. Clubs or members who were previously suspended or removed from our register will be reinstated. Let us not fight one another, but instead work together to develop our sport, give positive criticism that build not one that provokes fights. Let us compete in making meaningful contributions, lifting Zambia Athletics to greater heights for the benefit of all athletes and stakeholders.

Today was more than a competition, it was a true reflection of what makes us stronger. It was also a statement. A statement that Zambia Athletics is moving. A statement that discipline, vision, and dedication are at work. A statement that when hard work, action, and belief come together, greatness is inevitable.

Together, with those who share our vision, we are building a stronger, disciplined, and winning Zambia Athletics. Believe in the vision, Rome was not built in a day, every change comes with it's changeables which all must be willing to accept and embrace. Teams are being built, systems are being established, capacity is being built in our people and confidence in the system is coming back let's move with it.

#
ZA #
Athletics - United For Growth #
Lives ThroughSport #

We invite you all to join us in pushing the sport forward. Let's keep pushing

Major Bernard Bwalya
President
Zambia Athletics

Happy international women’s day

SOLEMN MESSAGE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

25th February 2026

Good morning Zambia Athletics Family,

Today, we gather in solemn remembrance as we put to rest one of our former athletes, Sepiso Neeta.* This is a painful moment for our fraternity, but also a time for us to stand together in love, unity, and support for the bereaved family.

To Leaders, Coaches, Technical Officials, and Athletes — those who can manage, please turn out in numbers to give her the dignified and respectful send-off she deserves. Your presence will speak volumes of the spirit of togetherness that defines Zambia Athletics.

As an Executive, we sincerely thank the Lusaka Province Athletics Area Board leadership for the support they have rendered to the family during this difficult time. We also extend our appreciation to the Copperbelt Athletics Area Board leadership for the support they rendered to our sister who recently lost her father. Your compassion and quick response reflect true leadership and fraternity.

During moments like these, let us remain strong, comfort one another, and continue supporting our athletes and their families in times of need. Though we mourn today, let us also celebrate the life, contribution, and memories of our colleague.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Major Bernard Bwalya
President
Zambia Athletics

ZAMBIA ATHLETICS PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL SPORT GOVERNANCE FORUM

Update

23rd February 2026

Zambia Athletics is proudly represented by its President, Major Bernard Bwalya, General Secretary Mr. Teddy Shimishi, and National Meet Manager Mr. William Walele — who also served as former Chairperson of the Lusaka Province Athletics Area Board — at the Governance Forum for National Sport Federations.

The forum was officially opened by the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts and has attracted participation from more than 61 National Sport Federations across the country.

Day 1 is underway, bringing together leaders, administrators, and key policymakers under one clear mission: shaping a stronger future for Zambian sport under the theme, “The Year of the Sports Revolution: Scaling Up Good Governance in Zambian Sport.”

The forum provides a strategic platform for strengthening accountability, transparency, and institutional effectiveness within sport governance structures.

Zambia Athletics remains committed to upholding good governance principles as the foundation for sustainable growth, athlete development, and excellence in sport.

Issued by:
Mr. Teddy Shimishi
General Secretary
Zambia Athletics

ZAMBIA ATHLETICS

PRESS STATEMENT

Niddy Mingilishi Qualifies for the African Senior Championship & Team Continues Preparations for Major Games*

22nd February 2026

Zambia Athletics is pleased to inform the nation that our *athlete Niddy Mingilishi has qualified for the African Senior Athletics Championships* following her outstanding performance at a competition held on 21st February 2026 in South Africa *. She recorded an impressive time of 54.04 seconds, which is below the qualifying standard of 54.74 seconds.* Niddy came out first in her heart securing among top performances of the day and qualifications

The Association had deployed three athletes to South Africa for high-level competition exposure and qualification preparation. In addition to Niddy Mingilishi, Susan Mwape and James Mutale also competed in the same event and are continuing with preparations as they work towards achieving the required qualifying standards. We have Athletes in Camp in here in Zambia and more are yet to be deployed in other countries.

Zambia Athletics is currently preparing a competitive team to represent the nation at major international competitions, including the *World Athletics Relays* , *Commonwealth Games* , *The African Senior Championships* , as well as *Youth Olympic Games* , U18 and U20 international championships.

With this achievement, Zambia now has two athletes who have already qualified for international competitions, the other being *Muzala Samukonga* . The Association remains confident that more athletes will meet the qualification standards as competitions and training programmes continue.

Zambia Athletics calls upon the nation, stakeholders, and partners to continue supporting our athletes as they proudly represent Zambia on the continental and global stage. We are grateful to the Government for the continued support and guidance.

Issued by:
Teddy Shimishi
General Secretary
Zambia Athletics

High level engagement at today's match,as Zambia Basketball President Maziko Phiri watch basketball together with Zambia athletics president major Bernard bwalya at NASDEC.
Picture by: Lubinda

ZAMBIA ATHLETICS AND BIG TREE REAFFIRM PARTNERSHIP FOR 2026

Building Stronger Roots for Athletics Nationwide
Date: 2nd January 2026

Zambia Athletics is proud to reaffirm its partnership with Big Tree as the 2026 athletics season kicks off. During a meeting at Big Tree Marketing Head Office, the 2026 National Calendar and all Zambia Athletics programs were presented, and appreciation was conveyed for Big Tree’s unwavering support in 2025.

In 2026, Big Tree, through Mr. Sachin Naranga, Head of Marketing, will continue to provide water, beverages, and media coverage for Zambia Athletics events. This support will also extend to colleagues organizing sanctioned marathons, road running events, and provincial competitions, helping to reduce operational costs and ensure high-quality competitions, always putting the athlete first.

Zambia Athletics aligns with the National Youth Development agenda as championed by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, and thanks the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts under Honourable Elvis Nkandu, as well as the National Sports Council of Zambia, for enabling athletics programs nationwide.

Key 2026 Focus Areas:

Expansion of local competitions to nurture talent

Support for international competitions

Kids Athletics & “Catch Them Young” programs

Collaboration with schools, colleges, and universities

Athletics scholarships locally and abroad

Establishment of camp houses for residential training

Strengthening road running events nationwide

Athletes & officials mentorship programs

Conferences and leadership platforms for capacity building

Corporate partnerships and community activation programs prioritizing the athlete

Message to Provincial Area Boards:
All boards are urged to develop their own provincial calendars and roadmaps to strengthen grassroots athletics, promote unity and togetherness, and ensure structured, consistent programming aligned with national priorities. Boards are encouraged to share updates with members and advocate for athlete welfare, training, and career progression.

International Cooperation:
Zambia Athletics continues to grow globally through MOUs with athletics federations in Somalia, Djibouti, Lesotho, Spain, UAE, and others, promoting athlete exchanges, joint training, and capacity building.

Conclusion:
Zambia Athletics declares 2026 a year of discipline, innovation, modernization, and growth. With strong partnerships, structured provincial planning, and a commitment to putting the athlete first, we are rebuilding deliberately, sustainably, and collectively.

Together, we can achieve more.

Major Bernard Bwalya
President, Zambia Athletics

Happy New Year,2026 Athletics Family!

As we enter 2026, I extend my warm wishes to every athlete, coach, technical official, club, Area Board, and Member. Thank you for your dedication and passion throughout the past year. Together, we strengthened our sport, built new relationships, and moved closer to our shared goals. We thank God for reaching us this far.

This year, let us continue to work with unity, commitment, and belief in the potential of Zambian athletics. May 2026 bring progress, good health, and success to each of you on and off the track.

Warm regards,
Major Bernard Bwalya
President
Zambia Athletics

Great work National Sports Council of Zambia - NSCZ 👏

National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) 2026 Calendar

we are pleased to share with you the NSCZ 2026 calendar. This document outlines the major sporting events and activities that NSCZ will be hosting in the year 2026.

This calendar is a living document and remains subject to changes and updates as the year progresses.

We look forward to a productive and successful 2026.