adminSports CorrespondentTHE fun-filled Prisons Inmates Football Association belated Independence Trophy held at Mutare Farm Prison last Saturday saw Waka Waka beating Eagles 5 – 4 in the dreaded penalties after the match ended 2 – 2 in extra time to win the annual correctional fete.
Lethal striker, Lancelot Chokuamba was the hero of the day after scoring all the two goals for Waka Waka.
Speaking at the event, guest of honour and Mutare Poly principal, Poniso Watema, said sport and physical activity programmes can provide a meaningful vehicle through which personal and social development in inmates can positively affected and rehabilitation and reintegration can be achieved.
She said sport in prison goes a long way in maintaining and improving prisoners’ general wellness, helping the integration of individuals released into local communities, contrasting anti-social behaviours and fostering the learning of social values and social rules.
“Contrasting inactivity and enhancing well-being is usually the first reason given when encouraging sports activities such as the PIFA. Sport can be considered as a viable method of promoting good health, particularly, regular physical activity reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, helps to control weight and has a positive impact on other health risks and generally speaking, inmates have a few opportunities to practice sport regularly, they can be considered as a population presenting a high risk of hyperkinetic disease such as heart disease, obesity, hypertension and diabetes if sport is not considered,” she said. PIFA patron, Penelope Mushohwe also attended the event.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services acting public relations officer Manicaland region, Harris Pamela, said the tournament gave inmates the opportunity to celebrate the hard won independence and helps them identify their talents through sport.
“It gives them time to relax and interact with their beloved ones for the whole day.
Online Reporter