adminLAGOS. — ‘‘I am angry, disappointed, frustrated but it’s God’s will,” was how, Tommy Ganda Sithole, a very close friend of late Patrick Chamunda philosophically captured the death of his Olympic colleague.
According to Sithole, a former Director of Development at the International Olympic Committee (I0C), there are fewer countries he has not visited in the company of late Chamunda to spread the message of Olympism that emphasizes love growth and development of youth through sports.
”From the geysers in New Zealand to the wonders of the Suez Canal and riding camels at the pyramids of Giza, to sharing traditional meals with a meal with four chefs of four nations in Canada.
”Our mutual exploits also include the dance floor in Dar es Salaam or… just standing there on the Victoria Falls Bridge watching adrenaline junkies bungees jumping towards the deep blue waters and the crocodiles below.
”’Mwana’, he would start ‘that’s crazy. These people are crazy’. It’s a voice that is gone forever. Never to be heard again. We will miss him,” concluded Sithole, the two-time ANOCA Secretary-General.
Nigeria’s Habu Ahmed Gumel, President Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), expressed shock at the death of Chamunda, a past president of the Zambia Olympic Committee.
Gumel, the current Treasurer-General of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA ), expressed shock at the death of Chamunda, a former president of the Zambia Olympic Committee.
He said in an interview from Turkey, where he was attending the Islamic Games, that news of the death of the emeritus member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came to him as a rude shock.
”We were very good friends. I even took over as Treasurer-General of ANOCA in 2009 during the ANOCA Elective Congress held in Abuja.”
”I will miss and his jokes. He was ever a cheerful soul and the African Olympic body will miss him badly,” Gumel said.
Olabanji Oladapo, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) noted that his passing has left a vacuum.
”He was a thoroughbred professional and a fantastic administrator.”
For Tony Nezianya renowned Olympic sports journalist, ”I will miss Chamunda and his African proverbs, which accentuated his many public speeches.
”He never spoke at any fora without resorting to African proverbs. He used them extensively and sometimes carried them too far.
”However, as a jolly good fellow that rather than get offended, one would make light of his remarks.
”As a journalist, I found him a regular good copy in my sports writing job. With him, you are sure to regularly fill the pages.”
Others thusly said: Rodney Swigeleaar O’ no Rest on Patrick. Stalwart, legend. Condolences to the family.
Pamela Vipond, of the Swedish Olympic Committee, said: ”Spent many hours travelling around with Patrick. He was a lovely man”.
Nicole Hoevertez of the IOC wrote: ”Sincere condolences on the loss of our colleague and dear friend of many around the world. May he rest in peace.”
Gunilla Lindberg from Stockholm wrote: ”Patrick was a wonderful person”.
These are reflections of a man who through the Olympic message of peace love and true, friendship via sports affected lives and particularly touched the lives of the youth. — Echonewsng.
Online Reporter
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