The World Wide Fund for Nature in Zambia (WWF Zambia) has announced that two Olympic gold medallist rowers are expected to visit Zambia next week.
The visit by the two sports persons is part of WWF Zambia and World Rowing’s conservation-through-sports partnership focused on establishing the Kafue River and Rowing Centre (KRRC).
KRRC is set to be a pioneering facility that will enable development and competition in the sport of rowing to be combined with freshwater conservation, research and education.
To be located on the banks of the Kafue River, KRRC will be an innovative, multi-purpose centre used daily by school children, university students, rowing club members, researchers, conservationists, business and government stakeholders, international visitors and local communities.
The two Olympians, Lawrence Ndlovu and Kimberly Brennan, have won gold medals representing South Africa (London Olympic games 2012) and Australia (Rio Olympics 2016) respectively.
They are expected to be in the country from 18th – 23rd September 2016 during which time they will visit the proposed site for the KRRC and interact with pupils from schools in Kafue districts.
They are also expected to visit the Rokana Sailing and Boating Club at Mindolo Dam in Kitwe.
The visit will also focus on highlighting WWF Zambia and World Rowing’s shared objective to promote the sustainable use of water resources.
Commenting on the visit, WWF Zambia Country Director Dr. Nyambe Nyambe appealed to stakeholders to take collective action in reducing water risks in the Country.
“Water is without a doubt at the heart of Zambia’s economy. The Lower Kafue alone is responsible for several social and economic outcomes of the Country. For example, Lower Kafue generates half of the nation’s hydroelectricity supply, powering industry and households alike. Even more, Lower Kafue contributes substantially to Agriculture by accounting for over 60% of national irrigated area.
It also contributes directly to sustaining communities through supporting smallholder maize production, cattle rearing and fisheries. It is therefore important that we all commit freshwater resources for the future. The Kafue River and Rowing Centre, though it’s wide ranging activities will serve to connect people to water and inspire conservation action,” Dr Nyambe said.
He said WWF Zambia was happy that the two Olympians, who are ambassadors of World Rowing decided to visit Zambia and spend time with school pupils.
Dr Nyambe expressed confidence that the pupils would be inspired by the athletes and take ownership of conservation activities in the Country.
So what if they visit Zambia? If gold medals were like an infectious disease then I could have been very happy because those gold medals could have spread to our athletes. Unfortunately it is not that way; gold medals are a result of hard work, dedication, good sponsorship,etc,etc, which our athletes may not have at all.