Boost for Danhiko Games

Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
THE Danhiko Annual Paralympic Games set to start tomorrow got a shot in the arm when they received $40,000 from the Ministry of Sport and Recreation yesterday.

This year’s games are expected to feature 2,300 athletes from 112 clubs from across the country as well as a team from Botswana with participants competing in athletics – track and field, goal ball, wheelchair basketball, netball, soccer, five-aside soccer, wheelchair tennis, slalom and swimming.

There will also be a 1,500m wheelchair race demonstration during the Games.

Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane presented the money to the organisers of the Games yesterday led by the director Phone Kufakwedeke and organising committee chairperson, Godfrey Majonga at Danhiko, who also updated him on their state of preparedness.

Hlongwane said as stakeholders, they have a role to play in ensuring success. of the event.

“The Ministry of Sport and Recreation is an important stakeholder to the Danhiko Paralympic Games because the games give paralympian athletes first preference to participate in the Games, which is an important aspect of sporting.

“But beyond that, participation enables them to prepare for high performance when they go for the African Games as they’ve had enough time to practise and that’s very important. In order to facilitate and enable that, we’ve to support the Danhiko Games

“We’re very happy we’ve the Danhiko Games, which provide the athletes with the opportunity to refine their skills,” said Hlongwane.

The ministry also provided a bus to be used during the Games.

Majonga said they were relieved by the ministry’s intervention as they had some outstanding items on their budget and added that it’s now catered for.

“Now we can sleep comfortably with the knowledge that everything is set for the games. The athletes will arrive tomorrow and we’ll bring them to Danhiko to ensure the competition progresses well.”

Majonga thanked the Minister for showing interest in the games as well as their success.

“We hope that our association and his interest continues into the future,” said Majonga.

The First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe, who is the patron of the Danhiko Annual Paralympic Games is expected to officially open the Games on Saturday.

Participating teams are expected to arrive today and registration will also be done today.