British Olympiad helps Zambia
A former British Olympiad is in Zambia to help revamp dilapidated sports infrastructure and raise funds for sports development.Melanie Marshal is on a mission to revamp a swimming pool at Kabulonga Girls High school and help raise 20 thousand British pounds for a local sports NGO, Sports In Action.
Melanie says funds to be raised during a function in the UK next month, will be used to acquire more sports equipment and train several peer leaders in schools and communities.
She indicated that on July 5 there will be a fundraising dinner and she is also expected to meet the business community in the UK to raise more funds in October.
Melanie revealed that after coming to Africa for the first time in 2004, she has had a dream of helping to develop sports infrastructure and leave a legacy in Zambia.
Melanie 27, retired from international her swimming career after last year's Beijing-Olympics in China and minted a total of 5 hundred and 20 medals since she was 8 years.
And the British High Commission to Zambia, Carolyne Davidson, said she is happy to receive the former Olympiad.
Commissioner Davidson said Melanies's visit will also help mark the commemmoration of the National Olympics week.
She said the British High Commission will sponsor sports events and other activities to mark the national Olympics week which starts this Sunday.
The High Commissioner noted that a lot of programmes with the ministry of Education have been in place adding that the 2012 London Olympics will bring together people from around the globe.
And Sports In Action president, Clement Chileshe said Melanie's visit to Zambia will inspire a lot of young people in their quest to excel in their various sports disciplines.
Chileshe stressed that sports is a very important tool which has great influence in disseminating messages of HIV/AIDS, child and alcohol abuse.
