‘Let’s fight Covid-19 with Olympic spirit’

MATHEWS MUDENDA writes EMBRACE the Olympic Values of respect for one another, foster strong and lasting friendships and apply high levels of excellence in dealing with challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, says National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Alfred Foloko in his Olympic message. In his message, the President called on all athletes to get used to the new normal to learn and discover a lot in the comfort of their home. “The 2020 Olympic Day has come at a time when we cannot go out and commemorate it like we have done in the past because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite this, we can still move, learn and discover in the comfort of our homes,” Foloko said. “Remember let’s Move and accept the new normal, lets Learn to protect ourselves and care about the environment amidst Covid-19 and Let’s Discover ways of fighting Covid-19 using Olympism. “Let me echo the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, Celebrating this year’s Olympic Day may feel very different from all previous years, but at the same time, on this Olympic Day, our message of the power of sport to bring hope and optimism to everyone resonates even stronger. “Let us join together to use this power of sport to prepare the postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as a moment of solidarity and resilience of humankind “Remember to Stay Strong as we continue the fight against COVID 19, Stay Active by getting things done and working out in the comfort of your home to be in a better mental and physical state, Stay Healthy by maintaining good health that requires a smart lifestyle and eating a balanced diet”, said Foloko. The NOCZ boss called on athletes to embrace the Olympic Values of respect for one another, foster strong and lasting friendships and apply high levels excellence in dealing with challenges brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Let us also remember those that are in our country far from their own because of conflict. They too, must be embraced and be part of the Olympic Day celebration. “The world continues to be ravaged with so many challenges such as hunger. Millions of people especially in Africa suffer from hunger. We must, therefore, use every opportunity we have to share the little that we have, with those that are hungry,” he said. The Virtual Olympic Day Run is among the activities lined up to commemorate the 2020 Olympic Week and Day. Mr Foloko thanked parents and guardians for caring and supporting the athletes especially during Covid-19 period. The Sun