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a lot of joy from flying the national flag in tournaments around the world.
Cara also challenged local companies to invest in sport so that other athletes can scale the same heights that she has.
Cara – who is in the country for a three-week holiday – was speaking at a function where she was officially honoured as the 2010 Sports-person of the Year by the Sports Commission.
The tennis star was not in the country when the ceremony to honour the stars was held.
“I always love to come home to visit, but it is not easy because of my tour demands most of my time,” said Cara.
“I want to thank Zimbabwe for all the support. I am really proud to be Zimbabwean and part of those athletes out there making Zimbabwe proud.
“There is nothing satisfying than knowing that you are doing something not for yourself but also for your country.”
Cara completed a hattrick last year as she has won the award after capturing it in 2006 and 2007.
Yesterday, the Sports Commission took the opportunity to officially present the award to her and she also received US$2 600 from Delta Corporation.
The tennis ace said financial support was key for the sport to develop.
“It is very important to get sponsorship to have the money to give to the kids, to put up tournaments and be able to travel regionally and internationally just to get the experience and exposure.
“One of the key things is to provide equipment and that is the biggest thing to give them (players),” said Cara.
She said she was happy to be back home and saluted Delta Corporation for sponsoring the Annual Sports Awards.
“I want to say a big thank you to Delta for sponsoring the Ansa awards and all the athletes out there and knowing how important they are.
“Without sponsors it is difficult to reach where we are.
Delta Corporation director for corporate affairs George Mutendadzamera said they will continue to sponsor the awards in honour of outstanding athletes.
“The sponsorship of Ansa is something we have done for a couple of years now and we see value in it. We would like to continue to play a role.
“Looking at tennis in particular, we used to be involved, we used to sponsor Davis Cup and the Black family were part of it, Cara would be sitting in the stands with us but she has now done well in her own right.
“She has been a good ambassador in the sport and for the country and it is something we should recognise.
“We hope when her days of play are over she will come back and teach the young ones,” Mutendadzamera said.
Mutendadzamera, however, bemoaned the current state of tennis in the country and said there was need to invest in the sport so that it is revived.
Zimbabweans still have great memories of the days when Byron and Wayne Black raised the national flag with giant-killing acts in the Davis Cup.
Sports Commission board member, Jessie Nyakatawa, congratulated Cara for winning the Sportsperson of the Year Award and saluted Delta for their continued support of the national awards.