Speaking after the event's Closing Ceremony, Foloko said it had been an honour for NOCZ to host the training for the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

He added: "At NOCZ it is our hope that ZAAA will continue to take up such opportunities to raise the bar for athletics in Zambia."

Foloko said it was vital to provide quality coaching to improve athlete performance through such training initiatives.

He also noted that there are a variety of programmes for coaches funded by Olympic Solidarity through NOCZ, to provide coaches with further training.

This includes technical courses, coach scholarships and a national sports structure development programme.

Foloko added: "This is merely the start of training and development.

"Learning requires continuous professional and personal development, therefore commitment and passion for your sport is key to being a successful coach."

He congratulated the coaches for participating in the training and wished them all the best in their coaching careers.

The 12-day course saw 24 coaches from eight provinces in Zambia score a 100 per cent pass rate, with seven coaches graduating to level two. 

The last day of the training course was comprised of practical and theory examinations before certificates were awarded, with local experts Maureen Kolomwe and Sydney Mushipe spearheading the programme.

Also present at the Closing Ceremony was the acting director of sport from the Ministry of Sports Gibson Muyaule, ZAAA President Elias Mpondela and NOCZ executive director Brenda Chipande.

This is the third training course NOCZ has facilitated for national sports federations through the Olympic Solidarity programme, following judo and hockey.

Olympic Solidarity distributes IOC cash around the world, particularly to developing nations.