Sundaymail Editor
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Government has expressed its intention to use sport as a vehicle to fight drug and substance abuse, especially among the youth.
Acting Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Dr Jenfan Muswere yesterday said the Government was looking to assist in the rehabilitation of some of the sporting facilities around the country to afford the youth access to different disciplines.
Minister Muswere, who is the Minister of Publicity, Information and Broadcasting Services, made the pledge at the South Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup at Belvedere Teachers’ College, where he was the guest of honour.
On a busy afternoon for the minister, he earlier took time to watch the ongoing FBC Zim Open Golf Championship at Royal Harare.
He highlighted how the Government was steadfast in the fight against drug and substance abuse and believes sport, as a whole, has an important role to play.
“It gives me great pleasure to be invited to such an important occasion which focuses primarily on ensuring sports development,” he said.
“As Government, we want to thank the South Korea government and the participants for ensuring that sport becomes central to the development of young people.
“As we fight the challenges associated with drug and substance abuse, sport is one of the key disciplines that is going to support the development of the youth in a free environment, which also deals with the challenges associated with substance abuse.”
Minister Muswere said sport was one of the key pillars in terms of the National Development Strategy.
He said the Government was committed to ensuring that there was infrastructure development in relation to football, karate, taekwondo, golf, netball and many other sporting disciplines
“The National Development Strategy seeks to ensure no one and no sport is left behind,” said Minister Muswere.
“Recently, we had an infrastructure assessment tour with the Honourable Vice President Kembo Mohadi, which took us to the National Sports Stadium, Magamba (hockey) Stadium and also Rufaro.
“We have prioritised the rehabilitation and also construction of new sports facilities around the country.”
The minister’s pledge comes as Parliament will, during its session, table the Sports Integrity Bill and the Sports, Leisure and Recreation Bill.
Both have since been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Office for drafting.
The Sports Integrity Bill will seek to provide for the elimination, through legislation, of corrosive and detrimental activities in sport such as competition manipulation, illegal betting, fraud, corruption and doping.
The bills and the pledge to rehabilitate some of the country’s sporting infrastructure underscore the Government’s determination to fight social vices through accelerated sport development.
South Korea’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Park Jae Kyung believes the tournament is a testimony of the continued good relations between the two nations and pledged to continue supporting it.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Chungsung Lee, Kyung said the embassy would also donate equipment to the Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association.
“We are happy with the level of competition, heart and commitment that we saw here today and truly believe that the sport is following in the values and tradition of the sport,” said Lee.
“This is why we have reaffirmed our commitment to continue to support the tournament and will be donating roughly 100 or 200 taekwondo gear that will go to the members of the association and the sport.
“The equipment will comprise headgear, shin pads, gloves and other assortments that are primarily used in the sport.”
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter