ITF Consultant Visits NOCZ to Promote Wheelchair Tennis in Zambia

Zambia is set to introduce wheelchair tennis, following a courtesy visit by International Tennis Federation (ITF) White Badge Chair Umpire and Wheelchair Tennis Consultant, Patrick Selepe, to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretariat.

Selepe, who was accompanied by Zambian Tennis Association President Lighton Musonda, National Paralympic Committee President John Kinuna, and General Secretary Moses Chishimba, discussed plans to develop the sport locally, aligning with the ITF’s global agenda to expand wheelchair tennis.

“Wheelchair tennis has been gaining momentum in Southern Africa, and the sport’s medal achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics are truly inspiring,” Selepe said.

He added that he will conduct demonstration sessions and clinics, and return later to review the sport’s progress. Selepe emphasized the need for wheelchair tennis to have its own structure and representation on the Tennis Association board.

Musonda revealed that the OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre will serve as the training base, while the Tennis Association, Paralympic Committee, and Selepe will collaborate to create a structured development plan based on South Africa’s best practices.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi welcomed the initiative, stressing that inclusiveness is a key priority for Zambia’s Olympic movement.

“We want to see parasports advance in Zambia, and I encourage administrators to begin the groundwork as soon as possible,” he said.