OYDC appeals for more support

Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) Director Clement Chileshe, has disclosed that the Centre has continued to contribute massively to the development of sport in the country despite various challenges the institution is facing.

Addressing the media on Wednesday 4^th October, 2017 Chileshe, said the Centre needs to raise a total of K10 million annually in order to maintain the wonderful facilities and its life changing programmes.

He disclosed that OYDC has embarked on future development plans and programmes to improve operations at the institution as it is the only and biggest sports facility offering various sports disciplines in the country.

He hailed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who have been supporting the Centre whose funds have been reduced.

Chileshe, further said that the Centre, applauds the support from government which contributes towards the annual budget for the operation and maintenance of the sports facility stating that he is appealing to the corporate entities to consider supporting the Centre to enhance its outlook and ensure that it remains a pride of Africa in producing future Olympic heroes by nurturing and training athletes, coaches and sports administrators who access the facilities.

He added that the engagement of the corporate world in maintaining respective facilities, construction of athletes’ hostels and the construction of a wall fence among others will greatly make facilities in good condition and remain the hub of sport development in Zambia.

Meanwhile, Chileshe, announced that over 60, 000 athletes access the facilities per year through training sessions, health checks, Literacy sessions, Olympic Values Education Programmes (OVEP) and competitive league games.

He said through such activities the Centre, will need more support to safeguard its facilities by working with the corporate entities willing to support the Centre like others have been doing.

He thanked Samsung, Zamtel, MTN, Zambian Breweries, Zamleather, Phoenix Zambia, Dangote, Shoprite, Lamasat, Coen Teulings the Chairman of the Merifin Capital, for having supported the centre for the last few years by ensuring that OYDC contributes athletes to national teams and local clubs of which some have represented the country at local and international games.

The Olympic Youth Development Centre is a Trust as a result of a partnership among the Government of the Republic of Zambia, International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic of Zambia to provide positive sport and lifestyle opportunities to underserved communities and groups.