Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CREAM of the crop of young swimmers from all parts of the country and in other countries in the region will be outpacing each other in the Zimbabwe Swimming Junior Nationals starting today (Friday) at Mutare Main Bath Swimming Pool.
This is the first time that Mutare has hosted the prestigious annual event, having been traditionally hosted in Harare and Bulawayo respectively.
The Zimbabwe Swimming Junior Nationals has seen most water babies who participate in the event end up competing at the highest stage in the sport. Manicaland Swimming chairperson, Duduzile Mthethwa, confirmed that the stage is set for the event.
Mthethwa said the championship marks a historic milestone as Manicaland makes its debut as host province for the junior nationals.
“The forthcoming Zimbabwe Swimming Junior Nationals, which will be hosted in Manicaland from Friday (today) to Sunday, will have the official opening ceremony conducted on Saturday.
“This championship marks a historic milestone as Manicaland makes its debut as host province for the junior nationals. The event is expected to attract young swimmers from across Zimbabwe, as well as Zimbabwean swimmers currently based in South Africa, highlighting the growing regional and international footprint of the sport,” she said.
The competition will feature age groups ranging between 10 and 16 years, showcasing emerging talent and the future of Zimbabwean swimming.
Only last year, swimmers from Manicaland did well to scoop a total of 20 medals at the Zimbabwe Junior Nationals held at Les Brown Pool in Harare.
Mthethwa said Team Manicaland comprises of 10 qualifying swimmers – and commended Hillcrest Group of Schools for their efforts in nurturing swimming talent.
“As the host province, Manicaland will be represented by 10 qualifying swimmers, comprising four female swimmers – Michelle Moyo, Kaitlyn Amm, Harry Adamina, and Roberts Olivia and six male swimmers that include – Kudzwai Chimbarara, Keith Chizondo, Khwatsi Mhlazi, Seth Mahlamvana, Luca Maseko and Gibson Mwayera.
“We take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to Hillcrest Group of Schools for their continued commitment to grooming and nurturing aquatic talent, which has significantly contributed to the growth and development of swimming in the province,” said Mthethwa, adding that hosting the event for the first time is ample evidence of the growth of aquatic sports in the province of Manicaland.
“The Manicaland debut as host represents, not only a sporting event, but a celebration of youth development, discipline, and excellence in aquatic sports,” said Mthethwa.
During last year’s edition of the event, Team Manicaland’s Paquita Bryer snatched one gold, three silver, and one bronze from the relay events, while Lewis Mushoweshiri secured the second best aggregate in the boys (15 to 16 years) category.
Yvonne Mubaiwa qualified for the 50m butterfly and was an alternate in the 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle finals in her 12-year-old age group.
Alvin Mufute secured second-best aggregate in the boys 13-14 years’ category.
