NOCZ

DAKAR 2026 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES – MEDIA ACCREDITATION NOTICE

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) wishes to inform members of the media that accreditation for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal is now open.

Media personnel interested in covering the Games are encouraged to submit their applications through the official accreditation link provided.
https://ems.apps.dakar2026.org/yog-dakar2026-publicregistration/en-US/Account?ReturnUrl=%2fyog-dakar2026-publicregistration%2ffr-FR%2fProfile
The accreditation process is open to journalists, photographers, freelancers, and media practitioners from various media houses.

Please note that the accreditation window will close on 12 June 2026.

For any queries regarding the accreditation process, kindly contact [email protected] Team Zambia Games Admin.

The NOCZ further wishes to advise that all accredited media personnel intending to cover the Games should be prepared to do so at their own cost.

The Committee’s role will be limited to facilitating the accreditation process and will not extend to travel, accommodation, or related logistical support.

We encourage interested media personnel to apply within the stipulated timeframe.

Join the Women Supporting Women in Sport Webinar 2 series hosted by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia with the topic “Pre- and Post-Game Mental Health Support for Athletes”.
Saturday, 30 May 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 CAT | Online
Free for all.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89228431100?pwd=bfa1r41ygiWUVCQowl8qdUEA1erbow.1

Raphael Mulenga Graduates from the International Coaches Course in Hungary

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) has congratulated Wrestling Coach Raphael Mulenga following his successful graduation from the prestigious 2026 International Coaches Course (ICC) held in Budapest, Hungary.

The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, 28 May 2026, marking the successful completion of the eight-week programme organised by the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity (OS).

Mulenga represented Zambia at the globally respected coaching development programme, which has trained more than 2,500 coaches worldwide since its inception in 1971. The course focused on enhancing coaching knowledge, technical expertise, and athlete development methodologies across various sporting disciplines.

Following the completion of the ICC, Mulenga is also expected to participate in the inaugural KIMBA Mentorship Programme, running from 29 May to 12 June 2026, where he will continue benefiting from structured mentorship and practical engagement aimed at further strengthening his coaching capacity.

Message to the athlete community from IOC President, Kirsty Coventry

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters!

National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi was among key industry leaders who participated in an engaging session focused on the IOC Safe Sport Hub feasibility study and progress update during the ongoing Safe Sport Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

The session explored the progress, potential, and practical considerations involved in strengthening safe sport support systems across Africa. Discussions centered on the importance of coordinated safeguarding systems, local leadership, and practical approaches that can help make athlete protection and safeguarding support more accessible, trusted, and effective within diverse sporting environments across the continent.

The conference continues to provide an important platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration in advancing safe sport initiatives. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment by sports organisations and partners to move “from conversation to commitment” in ensuring safer sporting environments for all athletes.

Also representing the National Olympic Committee of Zambia at the conference is NOCZ Safe Sport Officer Prudence Nswana, who continues to support the Committee’s efforts in promoting safeguarding and athlete welfare within sport.

NOCZ and the Olympic Refuge Foundation consider Zambia as a host for the Sport Coach+ Programme, aiming to reach more than 500 coaches.

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) met with the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) and other key partners on May 25 and 26, 2026. They discussed the possibility of Zambia hosting the Sport Coach+ Train of Trainers Programme, which could benefit over 500 coaches nationwide.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub, OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre, and the Judo Association of Zambia, among others. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and laying the groundwork for the implementation of the programme in Zambia.

Speaking during the meeting, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko disclosed that the project will initially be implemented in only two African countries, Zambia and Kenya, with Zambia set to be the first host nation. He described the initiative as a significant opportunity for sport development in the country, noting that it will help create safer and more supportive environments for young people affected by crises, including forced displacement.

Foloko added that the training package to be provided to trainers would be highly beneficial and impactful, equipping coaches with skills to better support vulnerable young people through sport. He further emphasized that NOCZ will continue working with different stakeholders and partners to expand collaboration and bring more transformative projects to Zambia’s sporting landscape.

Meanwhile, Head of Foundation at the Olympic Refuge Foundation, Jeroen Carrin, provided an overview of the foundation’s work and vision for the programme. He noted that Zambia has long demonstrated hospitality and support towards refugees from neighbouring countries and highlighted the country’s strong sporting culture.

Carrin explained that while many young people in Zambia actively participate in sport, coaching environments may not always be adapted to meet the mental health and psychosocial needs of young people affected by crisis, forced displacement, or economic hardship.

“We have come here to work with the National Olympic Committee and the Zambian Red Cross to deliver Sport Coach+ in Zambia for the first time,” said Carrin. “This is a programme developed together with the Red Cross aimed at equipping sports coaches with the skills to create safer and more supportive sporting environments for young people.”

He further disclosed that the initiative is expected to begin with a 12-month first phase starting in September 2026, beginning with a Train of Trainers session in Zambia. Following this, approximately 8 to 10 trainer pairs are expected to conduct outreach training sessions in communities across the country, with an initial target of reaching up to 500 coaches, and potentially more depending on implementation outcomes.

Throughout the two-day meeting, stakeholders discussed several key areas, including strengthening collaboration between NOCZ, the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS), and other partners; mapping stakeholders in the sport and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) sectors; identifying engagement and mobilization approaches; discussing possible regional expansion; reviewing administrative and financial aspects of the project; and defining roles and responsibilities among partners.

Sport Coach+ was developed through a partnership between the Olympic Refuge Foundation and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub. The programme is a comprehensive training package designed to equip coaches with the knowledge, tools, and practical strategies needed to create safe, inclusive, and supportive sporting environments for young people affected by crisis, including forced displacement.
Read More: https://www.nocz.org/post/nocz-and-the-olympic-refuge-foundation-consider-zambia-as-a-host-for-the-sport-coach-programme-aim

You’re Invited!
Join the Women Supporting Women in Sport Webinar 2 series hosted by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia with the topic “Pre- and Post-Game Mental Health Support for Athletes”.
Saturday, 30 May 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 CAT | Online
Free for all.
Register using the link: https://forms.gle/ERmeVVtAXjKeNkKB9
Be sure to follow the NOCZ page using link: https://www.facebook.com/TeamZambia

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia joins the rest of Africa in celebrating Africa Freedom Day.

This day honours unity, resilience, and our shared progress. Through sport, we see how people come together, overcome obstacles, and inspire the next generation to dream big.

As Zambia prepares for major international competitions, we stay dedicated to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. We support our athletes as they represent our nation and Africa with pride on the world stage.

Happy Africa Freedom Day!