adminCoventry had been preparing for the Summer Games away in Monaco at the invitation of fellow Zimbabwean Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer.
She pocketed $3 000 for the Sportsperson of the Year honour and $1 200 for the Sportswoman of the Year award.
The golden girl also revealed that she was among the first people to congratulate Steven Muzhingi in South Africa when he won the Comrades Marathon, and the duo appear to have a good rapport as the ultra-marathon runner joined Kirsty on the podium once her name was called out as the Sportsperson of the Year.
Zimbabwe Aquatics Union also underlined their status as one of the growing sports in the country when swimmer James Lawson was crowned — in absentia — Junior Sportsperson as well as Junior Sportsman of the Year.
Lawson was the notable absentee following a huge turnout by the foreign-based stars this year.
It was quite refreshing to see United States-based tennis star Takanyi Garan’anga going to the podium to receive his bronze medal.
The senior rugby national team, who scooped the Team of the Tear award, added colour and humour to the whole event as they broke into song and dance as soon as the Mighty Warriors were named the silver medallists as they prepared to take to the podium.
When their coach Brendon Dawson was named Coach of the Year, the Sables started singing their rendition of the popular Mbare Chimurenga Choir tune: “Nyatsoteerera unzwe kutonga, mu-office munaDawson . . . .”
It was really a night of glamour and honour as athletes warmed down after a busy season.
Guest of honour, shooting legend Dave Westerhout, also urged the athletes to pursue their dreams.
Delta Beverages, the Sport and Recreation Commission’s principal partners, were honoured with a Special Acknowledgement Award.
Awards:
Sportsperson of the Year — $3 000
Team of the year — $3 000
Junior Sportsperson — $1 500
Sportsman of the Year — $1 200
Sportswoman of the Year — 1 200
Technical official of the Year — $1 200
Coach of the Year — $1 200
Online Reporter