The Sunday News
Patrick Mushunje/Mbekezeli Ncube, Sports Reporters
SCORES of people attended the Mzilikazi District Sports Festival held at Nketa Hall Grounds in Bulawayo during the Sports and Recreation Commission’s 100 days results initiative yesterday.
The event held under the theme “Youth celebrating Legacy Restoration through Sports, Arts and Recreation” was formed with the intention of creating opportunities for talent identification as well as to boost and fortify the happiness index of all communities for the social well being of the national populace.
Before the start of the event, there was a moment to honour the April’s International Day of Peace through sports and recreation. Second Dan Taekwondo Black Belt holder and Panthers club president Vusa Ncube led the attended crowd on some aerobic exercises.
Several clubs from different sporting activities stood a chance to showcase their skills on different sporting activities including soccer, boxing and netball while a cricket exhibition was given out by the Mzilikazi Local Club girls’ team.
Sports and Recreation Provincial co-ordinator for Bulawayo Province, Simba Dzvimbu said “Mzilikazi is joining other 19 districts across the country in celebrating this festival. This event will help to strengthen Community Sport and Recreation Club implementation through hosting of festivals and also promote indigenous games in all communities in the country.”
Among those who graced the occasion was Senator for Bulawayo Metropolitan Tholakele Khumalo, Town Clerk Christopher Dube, guest of honour Rajesh Modi, supervisor for Bulawayo Sports Board Ophas Dube and Elifas Mashaba.
Addressing the crowd, Modi supported the spirit of co-operation within the country so as to keep the nation moving forward and also encouraging the youth to stay away from anti-social activities.
“Let us support the Government initiative of forming community sport and recreation clubs within our wards. Clubs create employment for our youth and provide a niche for them to stay out of drugs,” said Modi.
He added “Sports and recreation clubs also provide a form of recreation even for the elderly members of our communities. Nowadays, people suffer from non-communicable diseases which can be avoided through a healthy lifestyle which consists of healthy eating habits as well as consistent exercises.”
The Mzilikazi Local Club girls’ team received cricket equipment courtesy of Bulawayo Metro Cricket Association (BMCA) to show their support for the girls.
BMCA chairman Vumindaba Moyo was full of praise for the girls as he said, “What the girls are doing is so amazing, it is very encouraging to see them playing and hopefully several of them will represent the country.”
