Kopala inter-company relay moves to Chingola

The Zambia Athletics (ZA) leadership has renewed its push for robust corporate engagement in national sports development, following the official launch and relocation of the KCM Kopala Inter-Company Relay to the mining town of Chingola. Speaking on the significance of public-private synergy in sports, Zambia Athletics President Maj Bernard Chola Bwalya emphasized that sustainable athletic growth requires active collaboration from the corporate sector to promote employee wellness and unearth grassroots talent across the Copperbelt Province. This year’s edition, anchored by title sponsor Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), is scheduled to take place at the historic Nchanga Stadium. The event has steadily evolved into one of the region’s most anticipated corporate fixtures, drawing participants from diverse sectors including mining, banking, government institutions, and manufacturing. By bringing together varied entities onto a single athletic platform, the relay serves a dual purpose: encouraging active, healthy lifestyles among desk-bound professionals while generating vital momentum and resources for grassroots sports development. Organizers have structured the event to cater to varying levels of fitness and engagement, featuring the flagship 10-kilometer corporate team relay, individual timed races, and a 5-kilometer fun walk open to families and recreational enthusiasts. Such inclusivity has been a hallmark of the Inter-Company Relay concept, which successfully mirrors similar initiatives in Lusaka by bridging the gap between corporate social responsibility and community integration. Beyond the boardroom networking and physical fitness benefits, proceeds and partnerships forged through the event directly feed into national athletics programs, including support for training camps and regional talent pathways. Local authorities and corporate stakeholders in Chingola have welcomed the relocation to Nchanga Stadium, viewing it as a major boost to local economic activity an