adminTawanda Mangoma Lowveld Correspondent
NINE secondary schools under the Church of Christ are set to compete for top honours in the 16th edition of a tournament that will be hosted by Dinhe Secondary School in Mwenezi starting on Friday.The tournament with a $20,000 budget is being used as an early season warm-up for the term’s sports calendar and students will participate in different outdoor and indoor activities.
In an interview, the deputy headmaster at Chiredzi Christian College, Lovemore Gunguwo who is the organiser of the festival, said nine teams will compete in this year’s edition of the tournament.
The schools are Mashoko High School, Dewure High School, Masvingo Christian College, Chiromo High School, Chizondo High School, Mleme Secondary School, hosts Dinhe Secondary School, Matara High School and defending champions Chiredzi Christian College.
Students will compete in disciplines which include volleyball, football, netball, quiz, music, chess, public speaking and drama. Gunguwo said the main objective behind the tournament is to enhance fellowshipping among participants. All the schools belong to the same Christian denomination, Church of Christ.
“The reason why we continue to have these editions of Christian Games is we want to create a platform at which teachers, students and the surrounding community interact through sport,” said Gunguwo.
He added that sport must be given due attention just like any other curriculum activity as many Zimbabweans are living well through sport.
“Sport must be given enough support and time so that those with talent will showcase what they have. It is sad to note that many people think schools are there for students to undertake lessons in class but through sport we can also nurture talent which in turn might represent the country,” said Gunguwo.
He said the schools had started their preparations during the school holidays.
derick.khumalo