The Sunday News
Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS Athletics Club is set to hold its inaugural event later this year with a half marathon in the offing.
The club’s vice-chairman, Sydney Zimunya said preparations are underway to host the race which has been granted the green light by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe through the Bulawayo Athletics Board.
He said the event was included in the Naaz 2018 calendar and has been tentatively scheduled for 1 September.
Zimunya said the race will be part of the Bosso@92 Sports Festival that will see competitions involving the seven sporting disciplines that are under Highlanders being held on the day.
“The event will involve four races with the main one being the half marathon, the 10km, 5km fun run and the corporate relay.
While like other races we are promoting excellence in the sport, we are also aiming to create a health conscious society hence our decision to partner with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe and also incorporate the corporate relay,” he said.
The former Highlanders FC goalkeeper said they hope the corporate relay will serve to encourage companies to come up with health related programmes for their workers.
He said after noticing that most races had deserted the corporate relay event in their line-ups Highlanders will be giving it more focus.
“Corporate relays have been sidelined from most races but we want to include it in a big way to encourage regular exercise and also entice companies to initiate health programmes. It will bring fun to the race as workers interact outside the work environment.
“Partnering the Cancer Association will see awareness and free tests of various non-communicable diseases being held on the day to encourage people to take better care of their health,” said Zimunya.
He said they are finalising the route with Bab but the event will start and finish at Highlanders Sports Clubhouse.
Zimunya said they are engaging corporate entities that would want to partner the club in the successful hosting of the race.
Categories will include the 21km open race, 21km wheelchair, veterans, masters, grandmasters, 10km open and juniors and the 5km fun run.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman, Manuel Mpofu said they are pleased to see Highlanders coming into athletics and are happy to add another event to the province’s athletics calendar.
He said they are confident the club will come up with an exciting race, adding it has immense potential to grow.
CAZ Bulawayo publicity officer, Francis Manamike confirmed they have engaged HAC and are looking forward to a fruitful event as they raise awareness of cancer.
“Our main focus is awareness and encouraging people to test early but we also assist those that have been diagnosed with ancillary help. We are sure we will be able to reach out to a wide audience on the day,” he said.
The athletics club was formed last year and is the brainchild of former Highlanders utility player, Lawrence Phiri, who is chairman, following Zimunya’s switch to athletics after retiring from football.
The Highlanders Annual Sports Day involves seven sport disciplines that fall under the club’s ambit and these include football, netball, volleyball, basketball, rugby, darts and athletics.
It was initiated in 2016 as part of the football club’s 90th anniversary commemorations.
