Zambian Ministry Officially Launches Wallace Group and Sport In Action’s 20th Anniversary Gala Celebrations

In a vibrant celebration of partnership and progress, Sport In Action (SIA) and the Wallace Group universities officially launched their Twentieth Anniversary Gala with an opening ceremony supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.

Hosted in collaboration with World Netball, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, and the British High Commission, the event brought together key stakeholders and highlighted 20 years of transformative work that has empowered young Zambians through sport, leadership, and community engagement.

The ceremony began with insightful opening remarks from Frankson Mushundu, Executive Director of Sport In Action; Ben O’Connell, Director of Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University and Chair of the Wallace Group; and Dr Peter Warburton OBE, Honorary Dean at Durham University and Chair of the Volunteer Zambia Foundation. Their speeches reflected on the origins of the partnership, the evolution of university collaboration in Zambia over the past twenty years, and the critical role of sustainable development in community transformation.

The audience also heard about exciting new initiatives involving Sport In Action, the Wallace Group, and emerging partners, with speeches from Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Martha Lungu Sichone, President of Netball Zambia, Joan Smit, Africa Regional Director for World Netball, and Jason Tran, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission.

A Legacy of Impact

Representing the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe delivered a keynote address on behalf of Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu, MP. He praised the Wallace Group–Sport In Action partnership for its remarkable achievements since its inception in 2005, noting its role in shaping Zambia’s sporting landscape and empowering thousands of young people across the country.

Over the past 20 years, the SIA-Wallace Group collaboration has:

• Built and renovated over 20 sports facilities in Lusaka and Kabwe, including courts for basketball, netball, and volleyball, and a swimming pool at David Kaunda STEM School.
• Invested more than 15 million Zambian Kwacha in infrastructure supporting grassroots and elite sports.
• Empowered youth to become athletes, coaches, referees, and leaders—producing stars like Kelvin Mulenga (U18 Basketball), Catherine Nkandu (U21 Netball), and FIFA Referee Patricia Banda.
• Delivered leadership and entrepreneurship programs such as Girls in Action and the Duke of Edinburgh Project.

Festival of Sport and Development Unites Hundreds in Celebration of 20-Year Partnership

Following the official opening ceremony, the OlympAfrica Centre Zambia came alive with energy and excitement as hundreds of young athletes gathered for the Festival of Sport and Development, celebrating two decades of impactful collaboration between Sport In Action and the Wallace Group of Universities.

Held on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, the festival showcased the growth of Zambia’s hub-site sports programs and highlighted the success of the World Netball partnership, which has flourished since 2019.

The day featured spirited competitions in netball, basketball, and football, with community teams from Mtendere, Matero, Kaunda Square, Kanyama, Munali, Kamwala, and Chipata participating. All the teams were kitted out in new teamwear thanks to the generous donation from global sportswear brand and TAG 2025 sponsors Macron. The winning teams in each age group were awarded medals, adding a celebratory sparkle to the event.

Festival Highlights:

• 636 participants, including 484 girls
• 388 youth aged 12–13 and 230 aged 15–16
• 75 teams supported by 150 coaches
• Activities spread across 13 hub sites

The festival was more than just a sporting event—it was a powerful demonstration of how sport can unite communities, inspire youth, and build a brighter future. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers, camaraderie, and the shared joy of competition and achievement.