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Freeman Razemba Sports Reporter
HOME Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday said Government attached immense importance to the role of sports in nurturing a healthy nation in the country. He said sports ensures a healthy and relaxed mind by keeping away stress. Chombo was speaking at the welcome reception of 200 officers who participated during the ninth edition of the 2015 Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisations (SARPCCO) Games.
“The creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture is a clear testimony of this assertion. Similarly, as your minister, I also value and fully support your sporting initiatives,” Chombo said.
Chombo said police work by its nature was stressful owing to long working periods and exposure to harsh conditions and moments of intense provocation.
“Engaging in sporting activities helps police to handle such challenges with a heavy and humane sense of responsibility, commitment and dedication at all times.
“I therefore want to implore the Commissioner-General of Police (Augustine Chihuri) to ensure that these activities remain on the police calendar and encourage more participants to take part.”
He said the recent victory of Team Zimbabwe was as a result of high levels of discipline exhibited throughout the tournament.
“Apart from the laudable awards amassed by the team, it is an open secret that the ZRP has a long history and list of sports-persons excelling at the national and international levels in various disciplines, chiefly in athletics, chess, volleyball and football.
“Names such as Abel Chimukoko, Gaily Dube, Brighton Mudzamiri, Olivia Chitate, among many others, are shining examples of sporting icons who have carved the exceptional sporting pedigree of the ZRP over the years,” Chombo said.
Chihuri who also addressed the gathering said the team that was selected, consisted of seasoned ZRP sports administrators and highly motivated sportspersons.
“May I also, mention with much gladness that, in the battle of supremacy with 13 other SARPCCO member countries, our Zimbabwean team once again demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of sporting excellence as they retained the coveted SARPCCO Overall Winners Trophy for the fourth time in a roll.
“Indeed, we remain hopeful that our tradition of sporting excellence at SARPCCO will live to see another season,” Chombo said.
The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, various sponsors and the SARPCCO Games participants who were also given hampers with groceries as a token of appreciation.
Online Reporter