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Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOVERNMENT have come out in full support of the annual Tinmac Foundation sports tournament to be held in Hwedza in the next three months.
The mega-rich contest that will include football, netball, cycling, pool, athletics, tug-of-war and other traditional games like nhodo, hwishu and raka-raka was launched at a bumper ceremony at Chisangano Primary School in Chikomba on Saturday.
It is the brainchild of Hwedza South legislator Tino Machakaire who is also the Minister of Youth Development, Empowerment and Vocational Training.
The fifth edition of the fiesta is set to be the biggest social sports tournament across the country both financially and in human capital.
At least 66 teams per each sport code will participate with the ultimate prize for each winning team pegged at US$10 000.
And the Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, said they are fully behind the initiative which is aimed at nurturing raw talent, fighting drug and substance abuse, arresting societal malpractices as well as providing employment.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya who was the Guest of Honour at the launch saluted Machakaire’s efforts.
“I would like to congratulate Minister Machakaire for yet another milestone in this tournament. This event was introduced in 2018 and it has come a long way.
“I understand during the first few years, only winning teams got the rewards but I am glad that this time around every participant is going to get something.
“That shows just how committed Minister Machakaire and the Tinmac Foundation executive are in addressing issues like idleness, drug abuse and general societal ills.
“As Government, we are fully behind this initiative and it goes in line with the Ministry’s sports policy,” said Jesaya.
“I attended the last event which was held in 2022 and it was a pleasure to be part of the proceedings. This tournament has bridged a huge gap between rural and urban sportspersons and it is so heartening to learn that there are about five footballers scouted in 2022 who are now playing in Division One.
“That is the progress we want to see and that is why we are saying this is a good initiative and others should emulate all this.
“Once we start seeing some athletes making it professionally coming from tournaments like these, then we know there is progress being made.”
Machakaire said the Tinmac Foundation tournament came out of the need to help the rural folk realise their potential and earn out of it.
“I am delighted to have another installment of the Tinmac Foundation tournament this year.
“I am happy to say that this will be the biggest of them all,” said Machakaire.
“I am really satisfied with how things have turned out in this tournament and we are already seeing the fruits.”
Machakaire said there will be much bigger prizes for teams and individuals than what they were getting in previous years.
The youthful Minister who also donated furniture at St Mary’s Makanda Primary School on the same day said the tournament will pave the way for the league.
Online Reporter