Sport Meets Social Support
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 ---- (3-06-2026) - The Wonderful Group has awarded surprise cash prizes to nine marathon participants in recognition of their involvement in the just ended Wonderful Marathon.
Speaking during the post-ceremony awards segment, Shashank Mehta said each of the nine recipients received K10,000 as part of a special recognition initiative introduced after the official marathon proceedings.
Mehta said the awards were not part of the original prize structure but were introduced as a supplementary recognition programme aimed at acknowledging participants who demonstrated commitment by taking part in the event despite personal and logistical challenges.
He said the initiative also recognised individuals who played support roles during the marathon, including assisting with safety and care, as well as caregivers who supported differently abled participants throughout the event.
He added that the gesture was intended to encourage wider participation in future editions of the marathon, noting that the event was designed not only as a sporting activity but also as a platform for inclusion and community engagement.
He said the collaboration is part of ensuring that marathon-linked initiatives translate into tangible social impact within communities.
World Vision confirmed that it received K30,000 from the initiative to procure reusable sanitary pads for 300 schoolgirls. The organisation said the support is aimed at improving menstrual health management and ensuring girls remain in school.
“This contribution enables 300 girls to stay in school with confidence and dignity. No girl should miss school because of her period,” said World Vision.
Musitu 360 co-founder said the initiative also facilitated the provision of 2,000 meals to learners at China Community School. She said the intervention was intended to improve nutrition and support vulnerable children with dignity and hope.
Wonderful Group has launched social investment programmes supporting education, nutrition, and opportunities for girls and women, including assistance to schoolgirls and vulnerable learners, while the Wonderful Marathon serves as a platform promoting inclusion through disability participation and community support initiatives in Lusaka.
Kalaluka Itwi, Chief Financial Officer at ZANACO, said unity, inclusion, and investment in women and youth remain central to building stronger and more resilient communities
He said women empowerment is critical to inclusive growth, noting that economically empowered women tend to reinvest in their families, improving education and health outcomes.
He, however, acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly limited access to financial services for women across Africa, which continue to restrict economic participation.
“It is important to recognize that significant gaps still remain,” he said.
He added that ZANACO is addressing these gaps through women-focused banking solutions and broader financial inclusion initiatives.
Itwi said K97,000 from marathon proceeds was directed toward programmes supporting women and girls, alongside additional allocations for women empowerment and youth athletics.
He also announced K50,000 for women empowerment initiatives and K100,000 for outstanding young athletes, with top-performing boys and girls each receiving K50,000.
Beneficiaries included Amalaya Lubinga and Silas Kaluba, who each received K50,000.
Rachel Tanga outlined the Wonderful Group’s wider operations across manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and fertiliser production, positioning the organisation as a contributor to industrial growth and job creation.
She said the group operates five companies, including Wonderful Industry, Marco Polo, Wonderful Farm Machinery and Construction Group, Impetus Agriculture in Mpika, and United Capital Fertilizer Limited (UCFL).
She said these investments support cement production, infrastructure development, agricultural employment, and fertiliser production for food security.
Tanga said the group’s activities reflect its commitment to industrial growth, employment creation, and regional development.
Lusaka Fitness Squad President Chola Katai said the marathon reflected a shared commitment to health, fitness, and inclusion, adding that it provided equal opportunity for all participants, including persons with disabilities, and thanked the Wonderful Group for its partnership in promoting community development through sport.
Kateba Sichangwa representing Hope in Motion said the initiative promoted disability inclusion and encouraged persons with disabilities to take part in physical activity. He said his organisation supports individuals reintegrating into public life after disability or accidents.
“Disability is not inability. If we can do it, then others can do it,” he said.
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