By Jeremiah Gora
Chikomba East Constituency emerged as the overall winner of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Inter-Ministerial Sports Gala held at Belvedere Technical Teachers College yesterday after clinching gold medals in both netball and women’s soccer.
The constituency stamped its authority on the tournament by defeating Chimanimani East 35-17 in the netball final before its women’s soccer team produced a commanding 4-0 victory over the Mashonaland West/Central Select side to secure another gold medal.
Chikomba East also enjoyed a successful run in the men’s soccer competition, overcoming Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) on penalties in the semi-finals to book a place in the final against the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
However, the final failed to take place after darkness set in before kick-off.
The sports gala brought together employees and stakeholders from the ministry and its agencies in a celebration of sport, wellness and teamwork.
Chikomba East and Chimanimani East constituency teams participated on an invitational basis, with their respective Members of Parliament serving as the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Parastatals that competed at the event included ZINARA, Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), Air Zimbabwe, National Handling Services (NHS), CMED, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) and National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
Competitors battled for honours in soccer, netball, volleyball, darts, snooker, chess, athletics and tug of war.
The event also featured cycling, Zumba fitness sessions and health checks aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among participants.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Guest of Honour and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Pedzisai Makumbe, who represented the Minister, commended participants for demonstrating unity and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
“This sports gala has provided an important platform for interaction among staff and stakeholders within the ministry and its agencies,” said Eng Makumbe.
She said sporting activities play a critical role in improving the well-being of workers and strengthening workplace relationships.
“Sport promotes wellness, teamwork and unity while helping workers relieve the pressures associated with their daily duties,” she said.
Eng Makumbe applauded the enthusiasm displayed by competitors and indicated that the ministry intends to make the gala a permanent feature on its calendar.
“We are encouraged by the spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition and we intend to make this an annual event.
“The gala is not only about competition but also about building relationships, improving morale and fostering a healthy workforce,” she said.
Participants welcomed the event as an opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the ministry and its agencies outside the workplace while promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
The successful staging of the sports gala underscored the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s commitment to employee wellness, staff interaction and the use of sport as a tool for strengthening teamwork and boosting morale across the sector.
