Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
HUNDREDS of youths met at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Tomlinson Depot grounds in Harare yesterday for a sports festival meant to promote the drive against drugs and substance abuse.
Government has since declared war on all forms of substance abuse.
Sport is being used as a vehicle to fight the scourge.
The youths, from Mt Pleasant and surrounding areas, engaged in various sporting activities such as football, netball and pool.
The event turned the normally tranquil Tomlinson depot into a hive of activity.
A music show brought the festival to an end.
The “Say No to Drugs” tournament was organised by ZANU PF councillor for Ward 7 in Mt Pleasant constituency Tarusenga Mushininga.
Forever Associates Zimbabwe Trust also supported the initiative.
Mushininga said he had been inspired by the President’s call for a nationwide fight against the drugs menace that is threatening many communities.
“President Mnangagwa said drunken youths cannot build the country, and as a youth leader and a councillor from my ward, I saw it fit to organise a sports festival that brings together young people and also gives them the platform to showcase their talent,” he said.
“I am trying to promote an anti-drugs campaign through sport.
“Sport is important because it keeps one occupied and you won’t have time for drugs.
“As a nation, we should encourage youths to partake in sports because it is also a form of employment.”
ZANU PF Harare province deputy secretary for finance Cosmos Mushininga implored youths to try their hand at various sporting disciplines.
“We have a number of good footballers who are living a decent life because of the sport.
“So, we are saying youths should desist from drug abuse, and sport is one such platform we can use to achieve this target,” he said.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation has also been spearheading the anti-drugs drive by staging festivals in different provinces.
Online Reporter