Bulawayo Province honours athletes

The awards, which brought the season to a close, were held under the theme “Awarding Sporting Excellence.”
Bulawayo won 56 gold medals, 111 silver medals and 64 bronze medals during the 2011 provincial games.
Of the medal haul, 16 were won during the national Yes games, 124 during the National Youth Games and 92 during the 2011 Paralympic Games.
Girls’ soccer team, Inline Academy under-15s and Eveline Wild Cats volleyball team were some of the teams awarded certificates of achievement during the ceremony.

Boys’ basketball team, Handball, tennis and boxing were also awarded certificates.
Moline Muza and Juliet Matamhiri stole the show  after scooping six certificates between them for their “five-star” performances during the 2011 Paralympic games. The duo won three gold medals apiece in javelin, shot put and discus which capped their gem performances of the season.
The 2011 Paralympic Games were the toast of the year as they earned the province 42 out of the 56 gold medals.

The awards were graced by Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Governor Ambassador Cain Mathema, former Warriors and Zimbabwe Saints striker Agent Sawu and Provincial Sport Management Board member, Raj Midu. 
The guest of honour, Sawu,  said he was confident sporting talent in the province will bring home more medals this year.

“There is abundant talent in Bulawayo and the medals won by the province are testimony to that talent.
“We feel proud today of the athletes and it is their right to be honoured,” said Sawu.

Francis Chitewe, a representative of the Bulawayo Provincial Sport Management Board, praised the athletes for raising the provincial flag high.
“The province is back to its rightful place as a hub of sporting excellence.

“This should motivate other aspiring athletes to do even better. The corporate world should be commended for supporting sport,” he said.
The Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Plan International and Bellevue Spar were presented with tokens of appreciation for their support.
They received gold, silver and bronze medals for their roles as partners in sport.