dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry is confident of the future of triathlon in the country following another successful edition of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck in Nyanga.
This year’s event attracted athletes from Austria, Finland, Germany, Greece, France, the Netherlands, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, Japan, the United States of America, and the hosts Zimbabwe, whose athletes competed in the Africa Junior Cup.
In a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Nicholas Moyo on Saturday night, Coventry, who was the guest of honour, said the participation of international athletes has had an impact on the sport.
“Your participation has had a profound impact on the development of the sport in our country.
“For our Zimbabwean athletes, having the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best in the world is invaluable.
“It provides them with the exposure, experience, and inspiration they need to continue their development pathway.
“As we move forward, we are confident that this event will leave a lasting legacy, helping to nurture future generations of triathletes here in Zimbabwe.”
This year Zimbabwe missed out on the elite section with Andie Kuipers nursing an injury.
However, Coventry said the participation of Callum Smith, Stanely Chasakara, Mandlenkosi Mthethwa, and Nicole Madya in the Africa Junior Cup is a symbol of the bright future of triathlon in the country.
“They represent the hope and promise of a new generation of triathletes who will take the sport to even greater heights in our country,” said Coventry. The Minister thanked the sponsors who have continuously supported the event to make it a reality over the years.
“As we look ahead, it is my hope that this event will serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of triathlon as a sport in Zimbabwe.”
Triathlon Zimbabwe have managed to retain their traditional sponsors over the years, with new partners also coming on board along the way, in an environment where most national sports associations struggle to at-tract and maintain sponsorships and partnerships.
“Lastly, I would like to extend a call to other sporting disciplines in Zimbabwe to emulate the shining example of Triathlon Zimbabwe.
“As we have seen in the success of this event, a global approach to business and event hosting can yield tremendous benefits.
“By hosting international events, we not only promote our country but also create opportunities for our athletes to compete at the highest level, attracting global attention and investment into our sports,” noted Coventry.
Managing director of Schweppes Holdings, Charles Msipa, said the event is more than just a competition.
“When Schweppes first entered the world of triathlon, it was a daring leap into uncharted waters.
“Over time, we have nurtured this partnership, evolving from Schweppes Water to Bonaqua, and we have witnessed this event blossom into one of Africa’s most prestigious sporting spectacles.
“It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, purpose, and partnership converge,” said Msipa.
The function was also graced by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, who pledged support for the event through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority as she highlighted the importance of sports tourism.
“It must be the number one sponsor and partner to this event.
“And as the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, on behalf of ZTA, I am declaring today that from now on, right now, we are partners.” Director of Sport and Recreation in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Eugenia Chidhakwa, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye, Sports and Recreation Commission acting director general Sebastian Garikai, and several sponsors’ representatives were among the officials that attended the event.
Online Reporter