Zimpapers Logo

Lawrence Chitumba Mashonaland Central Bureau
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Government is keen to ensure that the education offered in the country is all-encompassing and caters for both the academic and physical aspects.

Speaking at the launch and ground breaking ceremony of the National Sports Academy at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) on Wednesday, Prof Murwira said Government wanted to create a Zimbabwe desired by its people through an education system that was inclusive by taking sports seriously as an industry.

He said sport was one of the fastest growing businesses globally and the business involved a lot of participants, from rights owners, athletes, clubs, leagues and federations) to sports agencies, sponsors, investors and broadcasters.

“Education, which cannot be transformed into goods and services, is not relevant at all,” said Prof Murwira.

“My ministry views this launch and ground breaking ceremony as a land mark development in our strategy towards vision 2030,” he said.

“We want to create a Zimbabwe desired by its people through an education system that is inclusive.

“Our education system should bring hope through its products. Sport is one of the fastest growing businesses globally.

“Sport as an industry is considered to be worth more than US$500 billion, with some estimates going to over US$1 trillion.”

Prof Murwira said the sports academy, which is the first of its kind in the country, will offer elite athletes the perfect place to train and develop their skills and act as hub for students to utilise and get the most out of their time.

He said the academy would also educate sports personnel and also serve as a centre of excellence for applied sports science research, while sports persons will be able to make a living out of their talents and raise the profile of the country high by earning the much needed sports medals at international competitions, as well as financial rewards.