As the countdown to the Commonwealth Games continues, Nottinghamshire has proudly played its part in preparing the Zambia National Swimming Team for one of the biggest competitions in the sport.
The official holding camp has been delivered by the coaching staff of the Nottinghamshire County Swimming Squad (NOVA), under the leadership of Director of Coaching Joseph Stanford. The team has provided a highly individualised performance programme designed to ensure every athlete arrives at the Games in peak condition. Training has been carefully structured to replicate the demands of championship racing, with morning sessions specifically focused on producing performances capable of progressing athletes through the heats and into finals.
Alongside their training programme, the athletes have also benefited from NOVA’s integrated sport science support. Throughout the camp, they have received sports massage and recovery treatment from Hannah Page, alongside sport psychology support from Liam Roarty, ensuring every aspect of their physical preparation, recovery and mental performance has been optimised ahead of competition.
Joseph Stanford, Director of Coaching at NOVA, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have hosted Team Zambia as part of their final preparations for the Commonwealth Games. This camp has been about much more than simply providing pool time, it has been about creating a world-class performance environment where every athlete has received individualised coaching and support. From our coaching staff to our sport science team and partner organisations, everyone has worked together to ensure the swimmers arrive at the Games in the best possible condition. It has also been fantastic to see our own athletes and pathway swimmers learning from some of Africa’s top international swimmers, creating memories and experiences that will inspire them for years to come. We wish the entire Zambia team every success and look forward to following their performances throughout the Games.”
Although a small squad, Team Zambia arrives with a wealth of international experience. The team includes national record holder and full-time NOVA swimmer Zach Moyo, who is making his second Commonwealth Games appearance, alongside Jade Phiri, who will also compete at her second Commonwealth Games. They are joined by Olympians Mia Phiri and Damien Shamambo, creating a squad with significant experience across both the Commonwealth and Olympic stage.
Throughout the holding camp, every training session has been individually tailored to meet each swimmer’s specific needs, ensuring they arrive at the Games fully prepared to perform at their best.
The athletes have also made a lasting impact during their time in Nottinghamshire. Zach, Mia and Jade joined members of the Nottinghamshire County Pathway for a question-and-answer session, sharing their experiences of competing on the Olympic and Commonwealth stage. Their insights and advice provided invaluable inspiration for the county’s next generation of swimmers, offering a first-hand perspective on what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The success of the holding camp has been made possible through the collaboration of a number of organisations. Nottinghamshire ASA, the Nottinghamshire County Swimming Squad (NOVA), Nottingham City Council, particularly the team at Harvey Hadden Sports Village, and the Zambia Swimming Union have all played key roles in delivering a world-class preparation environment. Additional support has come from the University of Nottingham, which provided accommodation and access to training facilities for the team; Nottingham City Council, through access to pool and gym facilities at Harvey Hadden Sports Village; Speedo, via Pentland Brands Limited, for race equipment; and Nottinghamshire businesses In House Embroidery and Splatt Limited, who personalised the team’s kit.
Their collective support has ensured the athletes have had everything required for an elite training environment in the lead-up to the Games.
As well as supporting Team England, everyone in Nottinghamshire now has another team to cheer on. Having completed their final preparations in the county, Team Zambia has become part of the local swimming community, and we look forward to following their performances throughout the Games.
While preparations in Nottinghamshire have been led by the NOVA coaching team, everyone at NOVA would also like to wish Team Zambia Head Coach Ian Stephenson every success at the Commonwealth Games. We look forward to seeing Ian lead Zach, Jade, Mia and Damien as they proudly represent Zambia on the international stage.
Team Zambia Competition Schedule
Friday 24 July
Mia Phiri – 50m Butterfly
Jade Phiri – 50m Butterfly
Zach Moyo – 100m Breaststroke
Saturday 25 July
Damien Shamambo – 50m Freestyle
Sunday 26 July
Zach Moyo – 50m Breaststroke
Damien Shamambo – 50m Breaststroke
Monday 27 July
Mia Phiri – 50m Backstroke
Tuesday 28 July
Damien Shamambo – 50m Butterfly
Mia Phiri – 50m Freestyle
Jade Phiri – 50m Freestyle
Everyone at NOVA and Nottinghamshire ASA wishes Head Coach Ian Stephenson, Zach Moyo, Jade Phiri, Mia Phiri and Damien Shamambo every success at the Commonwealth Games. We hope the whole of Nottinghamshire will be cheering on Team Zambia alongside Team England as they take to the pool in Glasgow.
