OYDC Promotes Olympic Values Education (OVEP) to Handball National Team

Sports Development Centre has continued to promote values-based sport by taking the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) to the Zambia Senior Women’s National Handball Team, currently in camp ahead of the IHF Zone VI Trophy.

The OVEP session was led by OYDC Zambia Non-Sports Officer, Richard Mulenga, who engaged the players on the importance of embracing the core Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship both on and off the handball court.

The session formed part of OYDC Zambia’s efforts to ensure that athletes are prepared not only physically and technically for competition, but also mentally and morally.

Mulenga encouraged the players to demonstrate Excellence through discipline, commitment, hard work, resilience and the continuous pursuit of improvement. He reminded the athletes that representing Zambia comes with responsibility and requires them to maintain high standards throughout their careers.

On Respect, the players were encouraged to respect their teammates, coaches, opponents, match officials and other stakeholders, while recognising the dignity and contribution of everyone involved in sport.

The session also highlighted Friendship as an important value in team sport. The players were encouraged to build unity, trust and strong relationships within the team, while supporting one another as they prepare to represent the country.

The interactive session allowed the players to reflect on how Olympic values can influence their behaviour, decision-making and relationships, both during competition and in their everyday lives.

OYDC Zambia continues to use sport as a platform for education, personal development and social change, with Olympic education forming an important part of the Centre’s programmes.

As the national team intensifies preparations for the IHF Zone VI Trophy, the OVEP engagement serves as a reminder that sporting success goes beyond winning matches and medals. It is also about developing athletes who demonstrate Excellence, Respect and Friendship and serve as positive ambassadors for Zambia.