Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) says it is making encouraging progress towards its ambitious goal of staging at least one track and field competition every month, with the next stop being the Cadets, Youth, junior and senior
Track and Field Championships at White City Stadium on July 18.
The event comes barely two weeks after the successful Payne and Mdhlongwa Track and Field Championships, a sign of the board’s renewed drive to provide athletes with regular competition throughout the season.
Bab chairman Watson Madanyika said increasing the number of competitions remained a priority as the board seeks to improve athlete development in the province.
“Our target this season is to have at least one track and field event every month and we are happy that we are making positive steps towards achieving that goal. The response to the Payne and Mdhlongwa Championships was encouraging and now we want to build on that momentum with another quality competition on July 18,” said Madanyika.
He said regular competition is critical in helping athletes assess their progress, improve performances and prepare for national assignments.
“The more opportunities athletes get to compete, the better they become. It also gives coaches a chance to monitor development while allowing us to identify talent that can represent the province and the country in future.”
The July 18 championships are expected to attract athletes from schools, clubs and individual entrants across
Bulawayo in the cadets, youth, junior and senior categories.
A full programme of track and field events has been lined up. Track disciplines include the 100m, 200m, 800m, 5 000m, 10 000m, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles and relay races.
Field events will feature the high jump, javelin, shot put and discus throw.
Entry fees have been pegged at US$3 per athlete, while relay teams will pay US$6.
Madanyika called on schools, clubs and athletes to register early and support the board’s efforts to revive athletics in the city through a consistent competition calendar.
“We want athletes to know that they will have regular opportunities to compete. That consistency is what helps build confidence, improve standards and keep interest in athletics alive. We are grateful for the support we have received so far and hope even more athletes will take part on July 18.”
With another meet already on the calendar following last weekend’s successful championships, the Bulawayo Athletics Board appears to be gathering momentum in its bid to restore a vibrant and competitive local athletics programme.
