All set for White City for Baker’s Inn schools event

THE best talent in secondary schools’ athletics will be put to the test as the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Districts clash at the track and field championships at White City today.

The two-day competition is between the city schools’ districts of Khami, Reigate, Mbizo, Mzilikazi and Bulawayo Central, in what has been described as an event not to be missed.

Athletics enthusiasts await to see if runners will manage to break records on the track and road.

This time around, schools have a huge challenge to produce a team of athletes that will go on to prove their worth at the national finals set for March 19 to 21 at Mosi oa Tunya High School in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province.

The Bulawayo team that will be assembled has to perform above par, given that they landed a generous sponsorship from Baker’s Inn, one of the country’s top bakery and confectionery firms.

Baker’s Inn unveiled their sponsorship package last week in what has been hailed as a timely gesture and a motivation to schools’ sport not only in the city but also nationwide.

Over the years, Bulawayo’s young athletes have posted poor performances at the inter-provincials and with the Baker’s Inn sponsorship, there would be no acceptable excuse to repeat yesteryear performances.

As proof of their support of schools’ athletics, Baker’s Inn in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) Bulawayo Province had a city wide roadshow yesterday.

The tour started at the company’s new plant, making way through major shopping malls in the western suburbs and central business district.

More than 100 athletes were part of the roadshow.

Day one of the championships begins at 8AM, with the 10 000m race in the 20 and Under boys’ category. The girls get to the track an hour later. Other longer races such as the 1 500m and 3 000m will be run towards midday, according to the programme from the Nash Bulawayo Province athletics organisers.

Competition in the long jump, triple jump, javelin, discus and shot put will proceed concurrently with the races.

The Under-15s will open the 100m semi-finals.

Day Two will be all about the finals in all events and the announcement of the team that proceeds to Victoria Falls.

Preparations for the event have run smoothly according to the Nash head-in-charge of athletics in Bulawayo, Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu.

“We started off with a roadshow with Baker’s Inn as we drummed up support towards the championships. The districts are ready to compete and we anticipate a great showing,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.

In Matabeleland South, secondary schools’ districts will also be competing today and tomorrow at Vhembe High School in Beitbridge.

Nash president Arthur Maphosa said schools were geared to present one of their best performances at the national finals.

“It is a busy week in most provinces as the inter-districts begin. By end of the week, athletes that represent respective provinces will be listed and we implore our children to go out and do their best. Out of such competitions, that is where future stars of athletics are groomed. We wish them all the best,” he said.

Clackson Masakwa the regional Baker’s Inn boss said they are excited to be supporting Bulawayo athletics. He said among the boys and girls taking part are future national champions and record breakers.

Masakwa said winners in Victoria Falls from the province will pocket US$100 for gold, US$50 for silver and US$25 for the bronze medals.

Baker’s Inn will transport, accommodate and feed 120 athletes from Bulawayo and accompanying coaches and headmasters.