Vusumuzi Dube
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe has been competing at the Paralympic Games since the country became independent in 1980 with their only absence coming between the 1988 and 1992 games.
In that period, the country has won 17 medals, namely two golds, nine silvers and six bronze.
However, the country’s last medal came at the 2004 edition when short-distance runner Elliot Mujaji won Zimbabwe’s second gold medal in Greece.
Coincidentally, the now-retired runner possesses the country’s other gold medal.
Since the 2004 Paralympic Games in Greece, the country is yet to win a medal.
In her keynote address during the opening day of the Danhiko Paralympic Games, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry pledged to assist with work already underway to ensure Zimbabwe sends a strong team to France next year.
“Next year, there will be Paralympic Games in Paris. These games are a world-class games for athletes with disabilities held after every four years,” said the minister, in her speech read by Sports and Recreation Commission director-general Eltah Nengomasha.
“My ministry, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, is already working together with the Sport and Recreation Commission to make sure our country is represented at this prestigious event. Qualifying events have been lined up as participation at these games depends in meeting qualifying standards.
“It is at these games (Danhiko Games) that some of you will selected to attend qualifying events dotted around the world,” she said.
The minister’s sentiments also coincided with the addition of a new sport to the Danhiko Games’ programme, football for amputees.
A local club, Ruwa George Al-Quds Amputee Football Club, held a scrimmage match during yesterday’s proceedings as a demonstration of the new sport.
The club is a collaborative effort between local businessmen and the Palestine Embassy.
“We were approached by people who were interested in this sport and games, and we decided to lend our support to the formation of this club here,” said Salim Siam, a counsellor at the Embassy of the State of Palestine.
“I understand that this is the first club to play amputee football in Zimbabwe, we contributed the little we could as a means to foster solidarity between these two countries.
“The goal is to build on this and eventually form a national team that will start participating in different competitions on the international stage,” he said.
This was viewed as a welcome development by Danhiko’s deputy director and president of the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Committee Witness Magulula.
The huge improvement in the numbers at this year’s edition was another reason Magulula was all smiles yesterday.
“I am excited by the feedback, in terms of numbers as this is only our second edition after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Magulula.
“Last year, we had 25 participating teams and that number has risen to 44.
“In terms of actual athletes, we had 600 during last year’s games, and that number has risen to just 900.
“The growth even extends to corporate sponsorship as more businesses and individuals have come on board to lend us a hand this time around.
“We hope to see those numbers keep climbing and we get more next year and the year after that,” he said.
Online Reporter