OYDC Zambia Attends Team Zambia Send-Off Ahead of Dakar 2026

OYDC Zambia–Sports Development Centre was represented at the official send-off ceremony for Team Zambia ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, held at the Senegalese Embassy in Lusaka on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The Centre was represented by Programs Manager Mwange Kampamba, Technical Director Elton Zulu, and Non-Sports Officer Richard Mulenga at the ceremony organised by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ).

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Gibson Muyaule urged the athletes to represent Zambia with pride, discipline and integrity. He also emphasised the importance of clean sport and encouraged them to comply with anti-doping rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko, in a speech delivered by Vice President Nakaonga Kakoma, encouraged the athletes to build on Zambia’s previous Youth Olympic Games achievements. He urged them to uphold the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect as they represent the country on the international stage.

Senegal’s Consulate General, H.E. Sow Maguette, highlighted the role of sport in strengthening relations between Zambia and Senegal. He said the Games provide an opportunity to promote African solidarity, youth empowerment and regional cooperation while showcasing the sporting potential of young people across the continent.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi encouraged the athletes to view the Games as an opportunity to gain international experience, build friendships and develop their potential beyond competition. He said the experience could help shape them into future champions and leaders.

Team Zambia Delegation to Dakar 2026

Zambia will be represented by six athletes competing in four sports disciplines: athletics, judo, swimming and badminton.

Athletes

* Elisha Zimba – Judo

* Bhardwaj Anjuman – Badminton

* Sibongile Miti – Swimming

* Joshua Mulenga – Swimming

* Edward Cole – Swimming

* Nathan Matete – Athletics

Coaching Team

* Ian Stephenson – Swimming

* Donald Mabo – Badminton

* Chipoma Mulenga – Athletics

* Ndungu Mwitumwa – Judo

Team Management

* Besa Chibwe – Chef de Mission

* Monica Lombe – Deputy Chef de Mission

* Tinyiko L. Kamanga – Games Administrator

* Mwange Kampamba – Welfare Officer

* Leonard Silungwe – Physiotherapist

* Charlotte Kasempa – Medical Doctor

* Noah Silomba – Press Attaché

The athletes have been camping at OYDC Zambia–Sports Development Centre as part of their preparations for the Games, using the Centre’s facilities to prepare for the international competition.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Senegal. The event marks the first time an Olympic event will be hosted on African soil.

OYDC Zambia wishes Team Zambia the very best as the athletes prepare to compete on the international stage and represent the country with pride.