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Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee on Monday announced 10 recipients of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity Paris 2024 Scholarships.
The 10 beneficiaries are Andie Kuipers (triathlon), Denilson Cyprianos (swimming), Donata Katai (swimming), Isaac Mpofu (athletics), Justine Carla Hobbs (rowing), Fortunate Chidzivo (athletics), Chengetayi Mapaya (athletics), Stephen Cox (rowing), Christi-Rose Prestorius (judo), Nomvula Mjimba (swimming).
Through the support of the IOC, the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship funding offers assistance to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) for direct athlete support towards preparation and qualification for the Olympic Games.
The 10 beneficiaries of the 2022-2024 Olympic Solidarity Scholarships for athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were announced at a cocktail party hosted by the French Ambassador, Laurent Chevallier, on Monday and was attended by Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry.
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially The Games of The XXXIII Olympiad also known as Paris 2024, are scheduled to be held in France from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Speaking at the function, ZOC president, Thabani Gonye, said the scholarships will create a conducive qualification environment.
“The scholarships being offered today are part of our potential athletes’ preparatory support. This support will ensure creation of a conducive qualification environment.”
The scholarship will cover access to appropriate training facilities, a coach specialising in the relevant sporting discipline, regular medical and scientific assistance and monitoring, accident and illness insurance, travel costs for the athlete to participate in competitions, including Olympic qualification events as well as board and lodging costs.
“This development is in line with the ZOC 2021-2024 strategic goal number one, athlete development and support, focusing on ensuring well supported and adequately prepared athletes who will perform optimally at world level competitions, the Olympic Games in particular.
“The strategic objective being to qualify at least 10 individual sport athlete and one team sport with at least two athletes achieving top 16 placing or better at the Paris 2024 Games.
“We appreciate the support being received from the French Embassy as we embark on this journey,” Gonye said.
Chidzivo said she is looking forward to a great season after getting the much-needed support.
“It’s a huge step as I failed with seven minutes last time I attempted to qualify due to maybe lack of financial support, which I got now. Last time we were supposed to easily qualify according to the work we did and we missed.
“I am looking forward to a great season with this support,” said Chidzivo.
Chidzivo represented the country at the African Games in 2019 and in 2017 she competed at the World Championships.
In 2020, she set a new national record when she participated at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in Poland.
Triathlon Zimbabwe vice-president, Pamela Fulton, said they are grateful as an association for the support as promising triathlete, Kuipers, is among the beneficiaries.
“I am really excited and happy for Andie to receive the Olympic Scholarship. She is the most deserving athlete for this.
“She trains so hard and for many years now has been committed to Paris 2024. If she does manage to qualify for 2024, she will be a real youngster amongst the field.
“Triathlon Zimbabwe are exceptionally grateful for this opportunity that Andie has been given. I am so proud of Andie and I wish her well and I am really pleased for her,” said Fulton.
ZOC also took the occasion to recognise and honour several Olympians for their achievements as Olympians and for representing and lifting the Zimbabwean flag high at the Olympics.
The honoured Olympians include Minister Coventry, Cuthbert Nyasango (athletics), Katai (swimming), Mike Nicholson (shooting), Abel Chimukoko (athletics), Scott Vincent (golf), Christine Hyslop (hockey), Anthea Stewart (hockey), Sarah English (hockey), Andrew Peebles (rowing), Rutendo Makore (women’s football) and Felistus Muzongondi (women’s football).
Online Reporter