Building opportunities, developing talent and using the power of sport to create positive change in Zambia.
OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre is a national sports development facility dedicated to creating opportunities for young people through sport.
The Centre provides an enabling environment where athletes, coaches, sports administrators, officials, schools and communities can participate, develop and pursue sporting excellence.
OYDC Zambia believes that sport has the power to inspire young people, strengthen communities and contribute to positive social development.
We create opportunities for young people to participate in sport, develop their abilities and reach their potential.
OYDC Zambia's journey began with a vision to use sport as a platform for youth development, opportunity and social change.
OYDC Zambia was established through a partnership between the Government of Zambia, the International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia.
The Centre was officially opened in Lusaka on 11 May 2010 by the Late President of the Republic of Zambia, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, and the former International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge.
As a flagship project of the IOC's Sport for Hope programme, OYDC was designed to provide young people with access to sport, education, community activities and development opportunities.
OYDC Zambia was recognized for its contribution to sport development in the region, reflecting the Centre's growing role in developing athletes and supporting the wider sporting community.
OYDC Zambia was recognized as a high-performance centre, strengthening its role in supporting athletes, coaches and national sporting development.
Today, OYDC Zambia continues to provide a platform for youth participation, athlete development, coaching, community engagement and sporting excellence.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination”
OYDC Zambia brings together sport, development and opportunity within one enabling environment.
Supporting participation, talent development and sporting pathways from grassroots to high performance.
Creating an environment where athletes can train, compete, develop and pursue sporting excellence.
Supporting coaches and sports practitioners through development, learning and practical opportunities.
Providing young people with positive opportunities to participate in sport and develop life skills.
Using sport to connect communities and contribute to positive social development beyond the playing field.
Promoting the values of excellence, friendship, respect and fair play through sport.
To provide appropriate and sustainable sports facilities and programmes for local communities, as well as national and international high-performance athletes, through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders while leveraging all available opportunities for sporting development and excellence.
To become a world-class centre of excellence that develops high-performing athletes and coaches, nurtures future sporting talent, and provides opportunities for young people to excel through sport, contributing to a healthier, stronger, and more successful Zambia.
Our work is grounded in values that place people, sport and positive impact at the centre of everything we do.
We strive for high standards in sport, service and development.
We act with honesty, accountability and responsibility.
We value people, diversity, inclusion and fair play.
We believe every young person should have the opportunity to discover their potential.
OYDC Zambia is a place where young people can discover sport, develop skills, build confidence and connect with opportunities.
From grassroots participation to high performance, the Centre continues to play a role in strengthening Zambia's sporting ecosystem.
We continue to work with athletes, coaches, national federations, partners, schools and communities to create a stronger future through sport.