FRANCIS CHIPALO writes
@SunZambian
ZAMBIA National Judo team coach, Moola Lipimile, has invited children in densely populated townships to join Judo which is in the process of being rolled.
Speaking to The Sun in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Lipimile said that the association had an 8-year strategic plan which is aimed at growing the sport in the country.
He also announced that a new judo facility had been built at the Maheba Refugee Camp in Solwezi to cater for vulnerable children at the refugee community.
“We also have a judo school in Chibolya and Mandevu where we are doing demonstrations and a lot of schools in these areas have responded positively. Lots of children from the compounds are coming forward,” said Lipimile.
Lipimile has also observed that the association would use the newly built judo centre at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) to tap talents in children.
“We have already started holding planning meetings with schools in Chaisa, Mandevu and Chipata Compound to encourage them to bring pupils for trainings,” he said.
Lipimile stated that most of the schools had shown interest in working with the association to promote the sport which is steadily gaining momentum.
“We are also working with councillors because our focus this year is to take this sport even in the far flung areas,” added Lipimile.
Lipimile further stated that the introducing of the sport in the communities is also intended to keep children away from bad vices like taking drugs and beer drinking.
He appealed for support from the communities and the corporate world in ensuring that Judo is popularised in Zambia..
