Public service workers in Luapula Province have been encouraged to actively take part in the newly introduced sports day to be held every Friday.

Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mighty Mumba, in a speech read on his behalf by Mansa District Commissioner, Ireen Chivweta, called on civil servants to embrace the sports day initiative for their own well-being.

Mr Mumba explained that the sports day aims to promote physical fitness, health, and social interaction among public service employees. 

ZANIS reports that Mr Mumba noted that the rise in non-communicable diseases in Zambia is linked to low levels of physical activity, making such initiatives crucial for improving public health.

He expressed concern about the low participation of workers in physical activities, attributing it to challenges such as lack of resources, time, physical literacy, and inadequate sports infrastructure.

“It is evident that workers are not actively participating in physical activities and sports due to limited resources, time, and physical literacy,” said Mr Mumba. 

“Additionally, the high prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse has contributed to this low participation.”

Mr Mumba also commended public service workers for their dedication and hard work in serving communities.

Luapula Province Sports Coordinator, Susan Kamanga, pledged her department’s commitment to promoting sports and physical activities among government workers in the province.

Ms Kamanga said the sports day, scheduled for every Friday afternoon, will allow participants to engage in various activities of their choice. 

She listed some of the sports disciplines as chess, netball, volleyball, aerobics, and football among others.