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Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi
GOVERNMENT yesterday honoured their pledge to reward successful athletes who excelled in the just-ended African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Malawi.
The biennial jamboree ran from December 2 and ended yesterday with a colourful closing ceremony last night. Zimbabwe fielded 203 athletes in 11 sport codes and hauled 82 medals including 12 gold, 24 silver and 46 bronze.
To reward their industry, Government paid US$750 to athletes who won gold medals while those who got silver were rewarded with US$350 each. Bronze medallists pocketed US$250. The technical staff members of each category were also rewarded, with each of them getting an amount equivalent to the highest medal attained in their respective disciplines.
Tennis stars Rufaro Magarira and Benedict Badza, who was the country’s flag bearer, each walked away US$3 000 richer after winning four gold medals.
Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) board member Titus Zvomuya, who represented Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry, presided over the official handover ceremony at the Nalikule Games Village yesterday.
President Mnangagwa’s administration has thrived to empower Zimbabweans across all age groups, including athletes.
And Zvomuya challenged the athletes to stay focused and be responsible.
“I would like to congratulate you on your achievements. You have indeed made the country proud and we salute all of you,” said Zvomuya. “Sport is a rewarding profession as you can see right now but you should be focused and remain disciplined to reach your full potential.
“Sport and discipline go hand in hand. We would like to thank the Government for this gesture. I am very happy that we came here and we were able to do so well. You have also been very good ambassadors of the country and we commend you for that.”
Director of Sport and Recreation in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Eugenia Chidhakwa implored the athletes to use the money wisely. “You should learn to be honest with your lives. We urge you to use the money you have earned wisely,” said Chidhakwa. “I am happy for all of you and you should now start to prepare for your upcoming events so that you also succeed.”
Zimbabwe were part of the 10 countries that were involved in the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Malawi.
Over 2 000 participants drawn from the regional countries took part in the 2022 edition of the Games and competed in different sporting disciplines that included Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, E-Sports, Gymnastics, Judo, Netball, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis and Volleyball.
Online Reporter