Zambia Athletics, Big Tree Renew Partnership for 2026 Season

Zambia Athletics has reaffirmed its partnership with beverage company Big Tree ahead of the 2026 athletics season, strengthening collaboration aimed at expanding competitions and improving athlete welfare across the country.

Confirming the renewed partnership during a meeting at the Big Tree Marketing Head Office, Zambia Athletics President Major Bernard Bwalya said the association was grateful for the company’s continued support and commitment to the growth of the sport.

“Zambia Athletics is proud to reaffirm its partnership with Big Tree as the 2026 athletics season kicks off. We sincerely appreciate Big Tree’s unwavering support throughout 2025, which played a key role in the successful delivery of our programmes,” Major Bwalya said.

He disclosed that Big Tree, through its Head of Marketing Sachin Naranga, will continue to provide water, beverages and media coverage for Zambia Athletics events in 2026, with the support also extending to sanctioned marathons, road running events and provincial competitions.

“This support helps us reduce operational costs and ensures high-quality competitions, always putting the athlete first,” he said.

Major Bwalya noted that the partnership aligns with the National Youth Development agenda championed by President Hakainde Hichilema and acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts under Honourable Elvis Nkandu, as well as the National Sports Council of Zambia.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Major Bwalya outlined the association’s priorities, including the expansion of local competitions, support for international events, strengthening Kids Athletics and “Catch Them Young” programmes, collaboration with learning institutions, and the introduction of scholarships and residential training camps.

“We are declaring 2026 a year of discipline, innovation, modernisation and growth. With strong partnerships, structured provincial planning and a firm commitment to athlete welfare, we are rebuilding deliberately, sustainably and collectively,” he said.

He further urged Provincial Area Boards to develop their own calendars and roadmaps aligned with national priorities.

“Grassroots athletics is the foundation of our success. We encourage all provincial boards to strengthen unity, consistency and structured programming for the benefit of our athletes,” Major Bwalya said.

On the international front, he revealed that Zambia Athletics continues to expand cooperation through memoranda of understanding with federations in Somalia, Djibouti, Lesotho, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at promoting athlete exchanges, joint training and capacity building.

“Together, we can achieve more,” Major Bwalya added.