THE 2019 Inter-provincial ball and racket games have kicked off at David Kaunda (DK) stadium in Chipata Eastern Province.
Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu says Government is committed to promoting co-curricular activities in schools as a way of nurturing talent.
Zulu said this in a speech read on his behalf by provincial deputy permanent secretary Josphat Lombe at the official launch of the games.
He said the Ministry of General Education had revised the curriculum to incorporate sports as one of the career pathways.
Zulu said involvement in physical activities was key to good academic performance because it increases the concentration by learners through reduced chances of contracting non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart diseases.
Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSA) President Chipangano Tembo said the tournament would lead to the selection of a team that would represent the country at the 2019 Confederation of School Sports Association for Southern Africa (COSSASA) games to be hosted by Zambia in August.
Tembo is concerned concern about this year’s turnout.
Muchinga, North-Western and Luapula provinces are not in attendance.
He said it was from such gatherings that talent was identified to represent the country both locally and internationally, hence the need to ensure everyone took part.
The tournament that has drawn participation from seven out of 10 provinces is being held under the theme ‘Identify Them Young and Nurture their Talents for Future Development’. – ZANIS
