Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OVER 400 swimmers from 23 clubs are expected to converge at Bulawayo City Pool on October 17 and 18 for the EcoCash National Sprint Gala. Organisers are confident of an exciting event, buoyed by the increased number of participants entering the competition.
The inter-club gala, held at the beginning of the season, serves as a platform to identify emerging talent.
Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson Zanele Nkomazana said sponsorship had played a key role in boosting participation numbers.
“This is our second project, and we have given them (sponsors) the naming rights to the competition in recognition of their financial support. Essentially, they are covering the costs of hosting the event in Bulawayo. We have also proposed additional projects for this season, including two training camps we hope to host with international coaches,” said Nkomazana.
The Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson added that the sponsorship would significantly support their efforts, especially as the association largely self-funds its activities, with parents covering most of the travel and accommodation expenses for various tours.
“We are now actively pursuing strategic partnerships with the corporate sector to help subsidise the costs for our members and make the sport more accessible to the wider community. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to the sport . . . So, we are thrilled that EcoCash is helping us to swim.
“I think we’ve doubled the number of swimmers who traditionally participate in this competition — it’s amazing. As of yesterday (Tuesday), we had 428 swimmers registered, and 23 clubs confirmed,” said Nkomazana.
In addition to the upcoming gala, the association is planning training camps to help identify a long list of athletes for next year’s African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games in Mozambique. They also plan to engage the Sports and Recreation Commission regarding preparations for the regional Games.
Furthermore, they are targeting the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar next year, with a 40-member squad earmarked for training camps.
“These are the major projects we have lined up with EcoCash, along with ongoing support throughout the season. Once we return from the National Sprint Gala, we will select a long list for the AUSC Region 5 Games and liaise with Team Zimbabwe Management or the Sports and Recreation Commission to begin preparations and request their support,” said Nkomazana.
The gala provides an opportunity to assess swimmers’ performance as the season gets underway.
Most activities so far have been held at provincial level.
“It’s open to anyone who has paid their membership fees. From there, we identify newcomers, assess who is improving, and determine where the talent lies as we prepare for the provincial championships in November and December.
“This gala is mainly for us to evaluate progress, spot new talent, and gauge current performance levels. Coincidentally, Bulawayo boasts the best swimming facility in the country, so we’re hosting this year’s gala at the finest pool available. We also have new clubs joining — one from Hwange and another from Midlands.”
Harare’s Spartans are the defending champions.
