Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona, the Member of Parliament for Chikomba East Constituency, has emphasized the need for people to recognize and treat sports as a viable industry.
He made these remarks while addressing the crowd at the Annual Chikomba East Marathon and Wellness Day held at Madamombe, Ward 15, yesterday.
The event held under the theme “Promoting Healthy Living and Fighting Drug and Substance Abuse,” was aimed to foster wellness and tackle addiction in the constituency.
He encouraged stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, to work together to harness the power of sports and unlock its full potential.
By investing in sports infrastructure, talent development, and marketing, Hon Mhona believes that the country can reap significant benefits from the sports industry.
“This event must not end here today. Our aim is to nurture talent, support our athletes, and create a platform for them to excel in their respective sports disciplines. We must take sports seriously, as it is a way of making a living and contributing to the country’s economic development.
“Yes, we are saying today that the marathon is for wellness and fitness, but sports is a job itself, one can survive through sport. We need to recognize the economic opportunities that sports can provide, from competing and coaching to sports management and entrepreneurship,” said Hon Mhona.
The MP added that another key objective of the marathon was to fight against drug and substance abuse, encouraging young people to engage in sports and wellness activities instead.
“We are not just running for fitness today, we are running to promote a healthy lifestyle and to show our young people that there’s a better way to live, free from the grip of drugs and substance abuse.
“Through events like this, we want to send a strong message that sports and wellness can be a powerful antidote to the scourge of drug abuse that threatens our communities,” he added.
Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona noted that the government, ably led by His Excellency President Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa, is playing its part in combating drug and substance abuse, with a committee led by Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri specifically established to tackle the issue.
He also announced that his office, through Constituency Coordinator Cde Lovemore Masunungure and Personal Assistant Mr Kudzai Majoni Choto, would soon organize a Walkathon Marathon event this year, specifically catering to those who cannot participate in athletics, particularly the elderly, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and wellness activities.
Hon Mhona said to Chikomba East District Schools Inspector, Mr Kwenda, who was present, that his office would partner with schools to identify and nurture talent, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills.
His office is currently supporting talented athletes like Peter Tauzeni, the 2024 21km race winner, and Tafadzwa Mukandatsama, who are now competing in higher-level races in the country, providing them with the necessary resources.
The marathon drew over 400 athletes from within the constituency, who competed in three categories – 5km, 10km, and 21km, with both male and female participants showcasing their endurance and skills.
In the 21km category Kudakwashe Chemhere from Ward 17 was crowned champion with a time of 1:07 hours, winning USD$300, Norest Marara Ward 20 was second with a time of 1:16 hours, winning $250, Tadiwa Matondo from Ward 23 won bronze with a time of 1:21 hours, winning $200 and last year winner Peter Tauzeni Ward 15 came fourth with a time of 1:26 hours, winning $150.
Peter Tauzeni, who finished fourth in the 21km category, acknowledged the tight contest, congratulating the winners, and promised to return stronger and more determined in the next event.
“It was a tough competition, but I am proud to have finished among the top five. I congratulate the winners and promise to come back stronger and more determined in the next event.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona for his continued support to athletes in Chikomba East. His dedication to sports development is truly inspiring, and we appreciate the opportunities he is creating for us to grow and succeed,” said Tauzeni.
The event was oversubscribed, providing an added benefit where participants also had the opportunity to undergo free health checks, including blood pressure, weight, and eyesight tests.
Representatives from various parastatals under the Ministry of Transport, including Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, National Handling Services, and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, were also in attendance at the event.
Local leadership was well-represented, with the presence of Chief Chivese, Chief Maromo, Chief Neshangwe, and Headman Madamombe, who added to the event’s significance and community engagement.
The marathon was well-coordinated by the Chikomba East Athletics Board, led by Mr Dhlodo, who headed a team of smartly dressed officials who ensured the event’s smooth execution.
Chikomba East is proud to be the hometown of renowned runner Elijah Mutandiro, whose achievements on the track have brought recognition and pride to the community.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
