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Speaking at the commissioning of three sporting courts at Danhiko Project in Harare, Amai Mugabe said the one-stop sports centre would be convenient for easier movement and transportation of disabled athletes.
Construction of the sporting courts for tennis, volleyball and netball was funded by the Japanese embassy under its Japanese Grant Assistance to the tune of nearly US$94 000.
Addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony yesterday, Amai Mugabe described the gesture as a befitting silver jubilee gift from the embassy.
Danhiko Project would be marking its silver jubilee celebrations in October. The celebrations will run concurrently with the annual Paralympic games.
“Many times, people with disabilities desire to participate or take part in sporting activities but are unable to do so due to a lack of suitable equipment and facilities,” said Amai Mugabe.
She said the new courts would enable Danhiko to produce world-class tennis players that would represent the country at the highest level.
In previous years, some Danhiko games like wheelchair tennis were played at different venues including Harare Sports Club and the University of Zimbabwe.
Amai Mugabe said the facilities would not only benefit pupils at Danhiko Project but those from sister organisations.
She said athletes with disabilities lacked resources such as wheelchairs, whose cost was usually beyond the reach of many.
“The generous donation of this facility together with 21 tennis wheelchairs will therefore go a long way in making tennis accessible to most aspirants,” she said.
She said the sports pavilion should consist of a soccer pitch with a tartan type track, changing rooms with showers and ablution facilities.
“If our wishes to have this facility in place are answered, our athletes will be able to take part in competitions using state-of-the-art facilities, thereby enabling them to improve their performances,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Japanese Ambassador Yonezo Fukuda said it was their embassy’s hope that Danhiko would mentor world-class tennis, volleyball and netball players, some of whom might make it to the 2020 International Paralympic Games.
“I am gratified that students with disabilities and able bodied who participate in tennis as part of their physical education activity, as rehabilitation or as a profession will find ease of access to these facilities contained at the same centre,” Mr Fukuda said.
The First Lady, some senior Government and Danhiko officials toured Danhiko’s Bata project.
After the commissioning ceremony, the dignitaries also had a chance to witness teams playing each other in the newly constructed courts.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Lazarus Dokora, Social Welfare Deputy Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono and Harare Metropolitan Province acting Governor Alfred Tome were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
Online Reporter