By Bright Tembo
ZAMBIA Athletics (ZA) aspiring president Major Bernard Bwalya has called for strategic partnerships between the association, athletes , coaches, and the corporate world in mobilising resources to develop athletics.
Maj. Bwalya said partnerships are crucial to identifying new opportunities that will help develop athletics.
Maj. Bwalya, who visited the Red Arrows Athletics Club, said real change in athletics should begin with listening to the views of all stakeholders by those in the executive.
He said he has embarked on a countrywide tour to get first-hand information from the stakeholders to enable him appreciate the challenges they are facing.
“As part of my commitment to understanding the real challenges faced by our athletes and coaches, I visited Red Arrows Athletics Club. During this visit, athletes and coaches openly shared their struggles, and I took note of the key issues they were facing. This engagement reaffirmed my belief that real change in Zambia Athletics begins with listening to those on the ground,” he said.
“This is an initiative aimed at directly engaging with our athletes, officials, and stakeholders across the country. My commitment is to visit all clubs, including those that are not voting or yet to be ratified because to an athlete, such technicalities do not matter.
“Beyond just listening, I am also meeting with athletes, coaches, officials, and the corporate world to identify new opportunities that will help develop our Association. We need more than just participation we need strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and a clear vision for the future.”
Bwalya the outgoing ZA vice president has appealed to aspiring candidates not to use propaganda against each other but to debate on issues that will develop the sport.
“At this crucial moment, I appeal to my brothers and sisters engaging in propaganda this is not the right time. Let us rise above petty politics and focus on real development. Instead of opinion polls or divisive language, let’s engage in meaningful discussions about what needs to be improved in our sport. If there are clauses in the constitution that need amending, let’s bring them forward for discussion. This election is not about who is popular or who is not it is about what is best for our athletes and the future of Zambia Athletics.
‘Should we debate athletics issues, you will see me fully engaged, discussing with you all. But if the discussion turns into accusations, insults, or belittling others, I will not take part. That is not leadership. Anyone using my name to insult or disrespect others is acting in bad faith. I am innocent of such behaviour, and I will not allow my name to be associated with negativity.”
