MOMENT OF JOY . . . Midlands assistant general manager Stenford Chikwadze (left) celebrates together with his athletes after they were crowned champions in the National Paralympic Games yesterday at Prince Edward School yesterday
Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
VICE PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday called on various stakeholders to join hands with the Government in developing sport in the country.
The Vice President made the remarks at the official closing ceremony of the National Paralympic Games, which ended yesterday at Prince Edward, with Midlands being crowned champions after amassing 35 medals.
In a speech read on his behalf by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Virginia Mabhiza, Mnangagwa said sport plays an important role in uplifting people living with disabilities and there was need for all stakeholders to work together for the development of the sector.
“The Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games are vital in fostering social cohesion among our people as they target those living with disabilities of varying degrees and nature.
“These Games, I understand, they were incepted in 2008 in Bulawayo as a national strategy meant to ensure that people living with disabilities are afforded opportunities to access sporting activities of their choice.
“This is indeed a noble initiative which is in sync with our new Constitution whose Section 22 provides for the right of those living with disabilities to be treated with respect and dignity.
“In addition to the above, the UNESCO convention of 1978 on physical activity and sport recognises sport is a basic human right which must be enjoyed by all persons regardless of the ability or disability.
“As a government, we are happy that we are going beyond the conventions that we signed and the constitutional provisions as provided for in the supreme law of the land.
“We are taking every practical measure possible to ensure that sport is accessed by all Zimbabweans.
“The provision of sport and recreation activities cannot be left to the Government alone, it is the function of both private and public players.
“I therefore wish to call upon all stakeholders to join hands with the Government, so that, together we may develop our sport,” said Mnangagwa.
He said the Games were key for nation building.
“The National Paralympic Games resonate very well with the Government’s thrust of empowering people across all sectors,” said Mnangagwa.
“Sport is not just about people playing the games, but it also teaches people to be law abiding citizens as there is no game without rules and regulations.
“Sport also assists in fostering unity among the people of different backgrounds and this is important for nation building.
“All the factors I have alluded to above contribute to the realisation of the objectives of Zim-Asset which the Government promulgated as the vehicle through which its programmes are being rolled out.
“Sport, like any other sub-sector, is also expected to make its modest contribution to the social and economic development of the country.”
Mnangagwa said Government needs to recognise the achievements made by athletes living with disabilities.
“I am also informed that our teams to the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games, which were held in December, last year, did well partly because of the performance of the athletes with visual impairment.
“This demonstrates the potential that we have as a nation in the area of sport for people living with disabilities.
“There is need for such interventions as the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games to be well packaged and managed so that the athletes who are selected are adequately prepared for higher competitions.
“In 2000 and 2004, we won gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Sydney and Athens respectively, through our Elliot Mujaji.
“I am convinced that we have the talent, but we need to ensure that it is well nurtured for it is through good preparations and exposure that we will be able to conquer the world of sport,” said Mnangagwa.
Midlands, who fielded athletes in most of the sporting events except goal ball, had 14 gold medals, 14 silver and seven bronze to win the title.
On second position was Mashonaland West with 39 medals consisting of 14 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze.
They were followed by Masvingo, who got 35 medals made up of 11 gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.
In fourth position were the hosts, Harare, with 23 medals. Matabeleland South and Bulawayo finished fifth and sixth with 16 and 31 medals respectively. Matabeleland South had eight gold medals while Bulawayo had seven.
Manicaland came seventh with 20 medals and Mashonaland Central were eighth with 18 medals.
Mashonaland East were on number nine with 11 medals and Matabeleland North were bottom of the table with nine medals.
The Games were also graced by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Andrew Langa, who said the Games were meant to provide opportunities for those living with disabilities to access sport and recreation sport.
“As a ministry, we take an active interest in how the Games are organised with a view to improving on the overall delivery of sport in the country.
“The Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games is one of the platforms in which my Ministry capitalises on to renovate and develop sporting facilities in the country,” said Langa.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Harare Metropolitan Province, Miriam Chikukwa, paid tribute to the Government and various sponsors that came on board to support the Games.
Next year’s Games will be held in Matabeleland South.