Teulings sends love to athletes as they receive awards

Coen Teulings, Chairman of the Merifin Capital in Belgium says Zambian athletes should take advantage of the OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre facilities to improve their sports career.

In a message read on his behalf by National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi during the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge grand finale held on 5 December, 2020 Mr Teulings said it was gratifying to note that more young Zambian athletes have continued to be part of the league games which he has been supporting since 2011.

He added that it was sad he couldn’t travel to Zambia to witness the grand finale as the world continues to battle with the Covid-19.

In his message he assured all the young athletes that he is hopeful that in 2021 he will be able to join them for yet another spectacular grand finale.  

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga in a speech read on his behalf by Pheobe Silobo, Sports Development Officer in the ministry commended Coen Teulings for his immense support to the OYDC Zambia through the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge. Mulenga further said his ministry through the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) remains resolute to support sports associations and organizations which aim to develop young sports men and women adding that the nation deserves talented athletes who will not disappoint the nation when in competition.

Speaking earlier OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre Chief Executive Officer Dr Fredrick Chitangala said athletes showed their passion and dedication to the Teulings games despite the Covid-19 pandemic. He said in 2021 the OYDC Zambia will have more sports programmes running adding that the Centre is thankful that the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge will continue next year.

Meanwhile, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Alfred Foloko, in a speech read on his behalf by NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi, said the Olympic movement in Zambia appreciates the support Coen Teulings continues to render to the OYDC Zambia. He said many young persons are being nurtured at the OYDC through the Teulings games stating that the league is a household name.

Those in attendance during the finale include; OYDC Zambia Board Chairperson Simangolwa Shakalima, OYDC Board member Wana Msiska, Netball Zambia president, Taekwondo Association of Zambia president, Zambia Hockey Association General Secretary, Christopher Katongo Foundation Executive Director, representatives of different schools and community teams among others.

Deserving athletes, teams, clubs and umpires were awarded with trophies and medals.During the finale the OYDC also awarded journalists from different media houses who have been covering stories about the centre and the Teulings Youth Sports Challenge.

The Teulings Youth Sports Challenge has five sports disciplines namely hockey, swimming, netball, beach volleyball and taekwondo.
The youthful competition is supported by Coen Teulings Chairman of the Merifin Capital in Belgium who has sponsored the league since 2011.