Chronicle EditorThe Harare Agricultural Show might be shutting its gates today but a different kind of fun is unravelling at the National Sports Stadium as the Dzikwa Trust 11th annual sports day explodes today.The sporting extravaganza that kicks off at 8am at the stadium’s B Arena will see more than 350 children of all ages showcasing what they know best in terms of field and track activities.
The sporting gala is also a major highlight of the year that brings together orphans and vulnerable children courtesy of the non-governmental organisation.
An equally bigger event on the calendar is the annual Christmas celebrations in December. “This sporting festival has been taking place since 2003 and this year is going to be more exciting. A healthy mind in a healthy body so physically fit children are perform better in school,” said programme director Seppo Ainamo.
Students from Grade One to tertiary institutions will battle it out for prizes in track events. The highlight of the day, however, will be the tug-of-war competition between the children.
“Over 300 children will be divided into four teams, namely the Kudu, Impala, Eland and Cheetah for the tug-of-war which is a favourite with the children,” added Ainamo.
The other classification will also be according to grades as Grades One and Two will be in the same group. The second will have Grade Threes and Fours, the third, Grade Fives to Sevens all of whom will run the 60m and 200m.
The older teams that comprises Form One and Two, Form Three and Four and Form Five to tertiary will have an even bigger task of competing in the 100 and 400 metres.
“The small groups will also enjoy the long jump and ball throwing activities. The bigger teams will be high jumping and short putt and discus,” added the administrator.
The best part of the tournament, however, is that children will be spoiled with prizes for winners and complementary prizes for those who will not have made it.
“In order to encourage participation, all the children gets prizes. In previous years, we awarded books but thanks to sponsorship this year we have baseball caps and T-shirts. From our observations, the T-shirts are a favourite among them,” he said.
Snacks and drinks are going to be provided in order to keep the energy juices pumping, throughout the day of strenuous hard work.
“It is going to a tough challenge for some of the children and in some cases we will have some collapsing. We are hoping, however, that they get to learn their own paces and distribute their energy wisely especially in the long distance races,” he said.
Ainamo also took the time to thank stakeholders who continue to come through and assisting in different ways to keep smiles on the faces of the underprivileged children.
“We have a team of dedicated volunteers we have been working with for months on this programme. These people include stewards that come mainly from Harare International School and Arundel,” he said.
Dzikwa Trust is a charitable, non-profit making education trust that sponsors more than 400 underprivileged orphans in Dzivarasekwa district. It pays school fees, buys uniforms stationery and sportswear for children under its care. The Dzikwa children are very active in arts and culture with a record of superb performances at Hifa and Reps Theatre. – The Herald.
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