Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE infant athletics initiative, launched in Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency, is set to be expanded to district level next year, with the ultimate goal of making it a provincial event following its resounding success.
Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Honourable Angeline Gata said the programme, which focuses on Under-10 athletes, aims to build a strong foundation for physical education and sporting excellence among young learners.
The event was held at Kondo Primary School last Saturday, with Deputy Minister Gata stressing the importance of investing in early childhood sports development, aligning with the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy, which seeks to develop well-rounded children.
“As Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency, we organised this ECD sporting event which we have been hosting annually since last year in line with the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy that was launched recently.
“The policy focuses on bringing up children who are strong academically, in sport, arts, culture, and our heritage under the Heritage-Based Curriculum. We want children’s foundation to be strong from the start. We have already seen an improvement in participation from last year, and we are looking forward to cascade this initiative to Chipinge District next year, and eventually Manicaland to develop well-rounded children,” she said.
Deputy Minister Gata gave an emphasis to the role of sports in shaping children’s futures, arguing that it is a pathway to professional careers and personal development.
“You never know what strength a child has, some will excel academically, while others will thrive through sport. A whole career can be built through sport. It builds resilience, character, and teamwork. More importantly, it also discourages children from engaging in drug and substance abuse,” she added.
Deputy Minister Gata also said with the expansion of the initiative to district and provincial levels, the country will be better positioned to nurture world-class athletes from a young age.
“The competitions will instil love for physical fitness, and help children realise their full potential in various sporting disciplines. The future is bright for our young athletes. This initiative will continue to grow, and with more support, we can create a generation of strong, confident, and talented sportspeople,” said Deputy Minister Gata.
The event, held under the banner: “Empowering Future Athletes, Building Strong Foundations,” successfully demonstrated the potential of investing in early childhood athletics and set the stage for future competitions at a broader level. The competition attracted participation from 37 schools.
Chipinge District sports officer, Mr Martin Sithole applauded the initiative, describing it as an integral part of the community sport development programme from within his ministry.
He expressed optimism that this model would soon be implemented across the province.
“This is an initiative by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture under the Community Sport Development Programme, which started last year. Today, we have 37 Government schools participating, along with several private institutions. This initiative is crucial because it aligns with our ‘catch them young’ approach, where talent is identified, nurtured, and promoted from an early age,” said Mr Sithole.
He said early exposure to structured athletics helps children build essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which are beneficial beyond the sports arena.
Parents and guardians who attended the competition were equally thrilled by the opportunities provided to their children.
Mrs Rudo Mashako praised the programme, calling it a ground breaking move in ECD.
“This programme is good. It gives children an opportunity to develop holistically. I have seen my child grow more confident and disciplined through sports. This is, not just about running, it teaches them teamwork, perseverance, and determination. I hope this initiative continues to grow so that more children can benefit from it,” said Mrs Mashako.
Another parent, Mr Matthias Mabhuya also expressed appreciation for Government’s efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged other parents to support their children’s athletic talents.
Online Reporter