Nalolo Member of Parliament, Imanga Wamunyima has launched a festive football tournament as part of supporting recreation and sports for the people of Nalolo District especially the youths.
Speaking during the inaugural tournament launch held at Nanjucha and Nasiwayo school grounds yesterday, Wamunyima said the programme is aimed at empowering more youths to engage in sports activities during the festive season.
“I want to encourage sports among the youths, women and men in the district and I will do this throughout my time as Member of Parliament,” he said.
Wamunyima, who also donated ten balls, said the tournament will be held annually and all teams both from Nalolo West and East will be incorporated and more sporting events will be included.
“The tournament will include sporting activities such as netball, volleyball, athletes and basketball among others,” he said.
The Law maker also disclosed that he will be sponsoring two tournaments for women, youths and men each year.
Wamunyima stated that he will hold discussions with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to embark on talent identification so that the best performing team can go and compete outside Nalolo district.
“I want the best performing teams to gain experience and exposure by going to compete with teams from other districts and even provinces,” he said.
Meanwhile, FAZ Nalolo District Chairperson, Liyungu Kumoyo said the association will support sports in the district by constantly improving the game of football and organizing competitions at district level.
“We shall work with government leaders in promoting relations between clubs, officials and players in order to bring unity in the sports fraternity,” Kumoyo said.
He urged clubs, players and referees to bring sanity in the sports sector by registering with FAZ in accordance with the regulations of the association.
The community has appreciated the area Member of Parliament’s sports tournament initiative, saying it will keep both the young and old busy during the forthcoming festival season.
Jasper Mwimanenwa from Nasiwayo area said the tournament has come at the right time.
“We are grateful to you honorable for coming up with this event which will keep all of us, the old and young from engaging in illicit activities during this period,” Mwimanenwa said.
And Brian Kaselo, a player from Sianda giant team thanked Mr Wamunyima for organizing the tournament and has called on more stakeholders to come on board in supporting sports in the district.
Kaselo wished good luck to all the teams taking part in the tournament and wished for no eventuality to disturb the tournament.
The festival football tournament dubbed ‘Imanga Wamunyima Festive Season Football Tournament’ which is seeing 16 teams comprising eight male and eight female competing against each other is held under the theme, ‘Supporting recreation and sports for the youth’.
The final games for the tournament will be held on Christmas Day.