Zambia Athletics Association President Elias Mpondela says the corporate world has a huge role to play in the development of athletics in the country.
Speaking in Solwezi District in North-Western Province during the Kansanshi Marathon held at Trident College, Mpondela said athletics champions cannot be produced in the country if big corporations do not support the sport.
The first ever Kansanshi Mine Marathon attracted participants from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Prosper Mutwira from South Africa walked away with K42,000 for emerging winner in the 42Km race while Lyno Muchena from Zimbabwe went away with K26,000 for coming second.
Mpondela pointed out that athletics is the second football in terms of crowd pulling hence the need to be supported.
“Our CEO here and the corporate that I see here cannot develop athletics in the country, we cannot create champions in the country if the corporations do not engage with us and bring us and see. What has happened I would also want to announce the first ever inaugural that attracts a record number of our participants,” said Mpondela.
He observed that a marathon creates peace and unity among people.
Mpondela stated that as an association he is looking forward to forming more partnerships with the corporations in order to use the events to tap talents.
He noted that events such as marathons can be used to create the enthusiasm in the country that will begin to elevate the profile of Zambia in the global sports.
Meanwhile, Chief Kapijimpanga stated that he sees a future where Zambia will begin to export athletics who will be taking part in global events.
Chief Kapijimpanga appealed to Kansanshi Mine, the organisers of the Marathon in North-Western Province to put more effort in the coming years so that the event can grow bigger.
Among the notables who participated in the marathon is Solwezi Mayor Remmy Kalepa , who ran a 10 km stretch and went away with a medal.
Picture by:Kansanshi Marathon
