Zambia Olympic Leader Patrick Chamunda dies at the age of 77

Patrick Chamunda is remembered in Zambia for more than a quarter-century of involvement with the Olympic Movement, including 13 years as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.

Chamunda died in the Zambian capital of Lusaka on August 14. He was 77. No cause of death is reported.

As a business executive, Chamunda held a variety of posts in public and private enterprises in Zambia. He was chairman of the board for Zambian Railways in the late 1990s.

He was elected treasurer of the Zambian NOC in 1977 and held other positions including the presidency of the NOC from 1992 to 2005.

Chamunda was chef de mission for Zambia at the Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988 Olympic Games.

“Patrick Chamunda’s voice carried weight in African sport and beyond. He was an exemplary promoter of the values and the social responsibility of sport, developing a wide range of initiatives, particularly in his home country of Zambia,” said IOC President Thomas Bach in a tribute.

“Patrick’s advice was always considered and therefore appreciated by me and so many IOC colleagues. For all his commitment, he always remained humble and, even in the time of his serious illness, always maintained his optimism and sense of humor.”

The IOC will fly the Olympic flag at half-mast at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland for three days to pay respects to Chamunda.