The Sunday News
Phineas Mukwazo Sport
A BLESSING can also be described as giving someone or something a valuable gift.
And getting a blessing from an elder is just like getting it from God. Especially when that blessing comes with one’s full heart, and if we take heed the result will be really 100 percent positive, especially if such persons have more experience in life than us.
And in return we should show gratitude to such elders because they are our valuable well-wishers. They guide us and protect us from any misfortunes that might stand in our way as we bid to deliver in our quest and we can ignore their blessings at our own peril.
We can not change the direction of the wind, but they can adjust our sails so that we reach our intended destination. They are our knights in shining armor.
When they shine on us, we can do anything, no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcame.
That is why today in this, your favourite column we pay tribute to President Mugabe, for having made it possible for this proud City of Kings to host the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Games.
During the occasion to light up the torch for the Games, the President disclosed that there were some people, including former Minister of Education, Sport, Art and Culture David Coltart, who wanted the Government to move the Games to Bambazonke.
However, in the spirit of Fair Play the President said he turned down the suggestion, insisting that the Games be held here in Bulawayo.
Vice-President Mujuru also revealed that sometime in February, the AUSC organising committee had approached her, wanting the Games to be moved to Harare because they thought Bulawayo had no capacity to hold the event. President Mugabe also mentioned that some people had approached the Vice-Presidement to move the Games to Harare.
“Mr Coltart one day said: ‘President, we are supposed to stage a sporting competition in accordance with agreements which had been arrived at’. He said: ‘We can’t do in Bulawayo because there are so many things that need to be done,” the President revealed.
“[He said]: ‘We haven’t got the money and the time schedule also is against us so let us change the venue’. Then I said: ‘Are you becoming spineless, Mr Coltart? Come on strengthen your spine. Games will be held in Bulawayo’,’’ said President Mugabe.
“I want it to be done for Bulawayo because of all our cities, it is the one which has suffered the most because of sanctions. We don’t want the drift of population in Bulawayo with some of its people coming here [Harare] and others going to South Africa. We don’t want it to be.
“The torch I’m lighting today, therefore, encapsulates the message I have for the hosts, the guests, participants, the supporters, trainers and organisers of the 2014 Under-20 Games. All involved are urged to practice proper, good sportsmanship and through fair play. We should let the deserving athletes, as the theme for Games says, Reach for Greatness.”
Yes, it was through the spirit of fairplay that the President shamed all the naysayers.
Now the onus is on the Games local organising committee to deliver the best possible Games EVER guided by the wise counsel of the President.
On behalf of the people of Bulawayo, we can only say THANK YOU, Cde President.
For your views and comments: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Whatsapp or Face book.
