FNB Zambia, in partnership with BlueCrew Sports Limited, donated over 300 pairs of sneakers to learners from five beneficiary schools in Kitwe as part of the annual Donate a Sneaker initiative, a community impact activity held in the lead-up to the FNB Kopala Run 2026.
Hosted at Kanfinsa Secondary School, the donation ceremony brought together representatives from FNB Zambia, the Ministry of Education, BlueCrew Sports Limited, school leadership, parents, and learners to celebrate the power of partnerships in creating opportunities for young people.
The initiative saw FNB Zambia staff members donate gently used sneakers, while BlueCrew Sports Limited supplemented the campaign with an additional 100 pairs of sneakers, significantly increasing the number of learners who will benefit from the initiative. Welcoming guests to the event, the day. It is about creating meaningful impact in the communities we serve. A simple pair of sneakers can mean the difference between participating and sitting on the sidelines. It can mean walking to school with confidence, taking part in sport, pursuing a dream and feeling included.” Head Teacher of Kanfinsa Secondary School expressed gratitude to FNB Zambia and its partners for selecting the school to host the initiative and for investing in the wellbeing of learners.
“As educators, we understand that participation in sports and extracurricular activities contributes significantly to a child’s confidence, discipline and overall development. We commend FNB Zambia and BlueCrew Sports Limited for investing in our learners and creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom,” the Head Teacher said.
Speaking during the event, FNB Zambia Chief Marketing Officer, Kasali M. Kaingu, said the Donate a Sneaker initiative reflects the broader purpose of the FNB Kopala Run, which extends beyond race day to creating meaningful impact in communities.
While many people know the Kopala Run as one of Zambia’s premier running events, for us at FNB Zambia it has always been about much more than race She noted that the initiative also supports the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people by encouraging participation in sport and physical activity.
“As we prepare to welcome more than 8,000 participants to the Kopala Run, we are reminded that the true success of this event is not measured only by the number of runners who cross the finish line. Its success is measured by the lives touched, opportunities created, communities strengthened and hope inspired.”
BlueCrew Sports Limited representative, Dainess, said the company was proud to partner with FNB Zambia in supporting learners nities we serve.” Zambia Brand and Communications Manager, Ivy M. Hamwaka, thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative and reaffirmed the through sport.
“Sport has the power to inspire, unite and transform lives. It teaches teamwork, resilience, discipline and determination. We are delighted to contribute 100 pairs of sneakers towards this initiative and hope that every learner receiving a pair today will wear them with pride and use them as motivation to pursue their dreams.”
District Education Board Secretary, Malambo, commended FNB Zambia and BlueCrew Sports Limited for supporting learner wellbeing and promoting holistic development.
“This initiative goes beyond providing footwear. It promotes participation in sport, encourages healthy lifestyles and supports the overall development of learners. We appreciate the collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions in helping create an environment where our children can thrive.”
In her closing remarks, FNB Bank’s commitment to creating meaningful impact in communities. “Today’s event demonstrates the power of collective action and what can be achieved when organisations, educators, parents and communities come together around a common purpose. We are grateful to our staff members who generously donated sneakers, to BlueCrew Sports Limited for their contribution of 100 pairs of sneakers, and to the Ministry of Education and participating schools for their partnership.’’
Through initiatives such as Donate a Sneaker, we are helping to remove barriers, create opportunities and inspire young people to pursue their goals with confidence. This is what the FNB Kopala Run stands for beyond the race itself creating meaningful impact in the community.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from the PTA Chairperson representing the beneficiary schools, who commended FNB Zambia and its partners for investing in the future of learners through sport, education and community development.
The Donate a Sneaker initiative forms part of a week-long programme of activities leading up to the FNB Kopala Run 2026. Beyond the race itself, the Kopala Run continues to serve as a platform for promoting health and wellness, entrepreneurship, education, financial literacy and social impact across the Copperbelt Province.
FNB Zambia remains committed to creating shared value by investing in initiatives that empower communities, improve livelihoods and contribute to Zambia’s sustainable development.
