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Sports Reporter
A Zimbabwean based in the UK, Patience Ndebele-Omijier on Saturday donated sporting equipment to more than 15 clubs in Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces.
The consignment included football, rugby and volleyball uniforms and training equipment.
She did this through her charity organisation Inspire Women and Children (IWC).
This is the second time that she has donated to the less privileged as in April, Maraphosa Primary School in Umguza received 44 satchels and clothes. The United Kingdom based organisation seeks to economically empower the underprivileged children and women in the country. They believe sport is one way of contributing positively to the well being of the community because of its unifying effect.
She has also donated mealie meal, salt, peanut butter and sugar to children in Umguza.
Other activities that she has supported include sanitary wear production for women in Maraphosa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the presentation, Joel Ndebele, Patience’s father, said he was humbled that his daughter had given thought to where she came from. He said such initiatives went a long way in bringing people together and keeping youths fit and occupied.
“What she has done today is to promote sport and unity. This is towards the well being of our community and what she is saying is that perhaps from her initiative stars for the future can be born and youths can engage in healthy activity during their spare time,” said Ndebele.
Bongani Mafu, a recent UEFA B licence graduate who is in the country and is Patience and her husband’s friend, said her gesture would go a long way in promoting sport.
“This is good for community sport development. It’s a challenge for all diasporans to consider giving back to their communities. Every ball or uniform donated eases the burden on the local sports volunteers and whatever they raise from this end can go a long way in supporting other needy areas of sports teams,” said Mafu.
Ziboniso Moyo of Entumbane was delighted with the donation.
“We’re grateful for the donation. We’re a community club surviving on members’ subscriptions. What Patience has done has been to close a gap within our structures. We welcome such gestures by our own who’re abroad and we hope this could be a challenge to others to contribute to their communities back home,” said Moyo.
Online Reporter