Foloko Hosts FIDE Deputy Chairperson Dana Reizniece-Ozola for Strategic Dinner Meeting in Lusaka
National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President, Alfred Foloko, last evening hosted a dinner in honor of Woman Grandmaster and Deputy Chairperson of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Dana Reizniece-Ozola, at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The event was organized by OYDC Zambia, led by Acting CEO Benjamin Tembo.
Reizniece-Ozola, a former Minister of Finance in Latvia, was accompanied by Zambia Chess Federation President Leslie Chikuse, who expressed his delight at welcoming the high-level FIDE delegation to Zambia. The visit formed part of a wider program that included a girls’ chess tournament for players aged 8–18 at NIPA and engagements with inmates to strengthen the ongoing Correctional Chess Program.
In his remarks, Foloko highlighted the importance of expanding chess beyond traditional spaces, calling for its integration into refugee centers and correctional facilities, similar to Zambia’s “Judo for Peace” initiative. He commended the Zambia Chess Federation and FIDE for their efforts in raising the profile of the sport locally, and thanked the government for supporting youth and sports through the Olympic movement. Foloko reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring chess continues to grow in Zambia.
Reizniece-Ozola applauded Zambia’s progress in promoting chess, particularly through transformative initiatives such as “Chess in Schools” and “Chess in Correctional Facilities.” She stressed the life-changing potential of these programs, saying, “Chess for inmates is close to my heart, as it instills discipline and life skills. Zambia has made remarkable progress, and it’s worth supporting the Federation’s aspirations to host international events.”
OYDC Zambia’s Acting CEO, Benjamin Tembo, thanked the delegation for their visit and reiterated the center’s mission to promote both Olympic and non-Olympic sports for boys and girls. He also celebrated the recent success of initiatives like the Teulings Youth Sports League, which continues to produce athletes who win medals at international competitions.
OYDC Zambia Programs Manager, Mwange Kampamba, shared insights into the center’s non-sport programs, including educational initiatives that complement sports development. Closing the evening, NOCZ Board Member Mwape Zulu expressed gratitude to the delegation for their continued support toward chess development in Zambia.
