Kids Athletics Qualifiers Inspire Young Athletes at OYDC Zambia

The OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre was filled with excitement and youthful energy as hundreds of young athletes took part in the Kids Athletics Qualifiers, organised by Chikondi Sports Academy.

The event provided an important platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities, develop confidence and compete for an opportunity to qualify for the Kids Athletics Championships scheduled for October 3.

The competition brought together children from different schools and communities, with participants competing in various athletics disciplines according to their age categories.

For athletes aged 8 to 11 years, the competition featured the 60-metre sprint, long jump and 1,000-metre endurance race. Meanwhile, athletes aged 12 to 14 years competed in the 100-metre sprint, 200-metre sprint and long jump.

The qualifiers produced a number of impressive performances, with outstanding athletes earning qualification for the October 3 championships.

Event organiser Joseph Daka expressed his appreciation to the schools, parents, young athletes and everyone who supported the event and contributed to its success.

Daka encouraged the young athletes to remain committed to athletics and continue working hard, emphasising that their development requires dedication both on and off the field.

He also thanked the participants for their enthusiasm and urged them to “soldier on” in their athletics journey, regardless of the results recorded on the day.

Zambia Athletics President Major Bernard Bwalya expressed happiness at seeing so many children taking an interest in the sport and encouraged the young athletes to maintain their commitment, continue training and build on the experience gained from the qualifiers.

The event demonstrated the potential that exists among Zambia’s young athletes and the importance of providing children with opportunities to participate in organised sport from an early age.

Beyond competition, the Kids Athletics Qualifiers provided an environment for the young participants to learn about discipline, teamwork, perseverance and healthy competition.

With the successful completion of the qualifiers, attention now turns to the October 3 Kids Athletics Championships, where the qualifying athletes will have another opportunity to demonstrate their talent and take another step in their athletics journey.

OYDC Zambia continues to provide a platform where young people can discover, develop and express their sporting potential through structured and inclusive sporting activities.