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Jeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
WHEEL and Hand Cycling Association of Zimbabwe athletes were honoured for their good show in South Africa by sponsors Innscor Africa Limited at a luncheon at Avondale Shopping Centre in Harare yesterday.The wheelchair athletes represented Zimbabwe in the Outeniqua Wheel Challenge in George, South Africa, in February and came back with four gold medals and one silver medal, from a team of seven athletes.
Over the years, the wheelchair athletes have grown from strength to strength, thanks to the backing they have been receiving from Innscor Africa.
“We had a fantastic time in South Africa it is always great to lead a winning team, it wasn’t my first time there, previously I had been going for these games since 2008 and I am happy that more Zimbabweans are winning now,” said team captain Edmund Makutya.
“We were told to bring back medals and we managed to bring four gold medals which is no mean achievement. It is a lot better for us now that we are getting more corporate support and the media is helping, too, because previously we would just leave and no one in the country would know about us but now people are aware of us and supporting us.”
Makutya has a proud record in the annual event, winning gold medals in the 2008 half marathon and another in the 2012 full marathon.
His progress, though, has been affected by the quality of his wheelchairs resulting in him coming fifth last year and sixth this year.
Innscor Africa Group corporate affairs executive, Musekiwa Kumbula, said they were charmed by the fact that athletes continued to raise Zimbabwe flag high.
“It is part of our corporate social responsibility where we try to assist, especially the most marginalised members of our society,” said Kumbula.
“Our relationship with the wheelchair racers dates back a couple of years as we have been sponsoring them in their international competitions.
“We felt that it is appropriate that we celebrate their achievements, they have made us and the nation very proud so it is fitting that they get a heroes’ reception.”
Alexander Mkandla won gold in the T51/52 category 42km, Wilson Nyakoko won gold in the T51/52 category 21km race, Dorcas Hwatira won gold in the T51/52 category 21km race and Thandiwe Ndlovu won gold in the T53/54 category 42km race.
Elford Moyo won the silver in the 42km while Samson Muroiwa and Edmund Makutya finished fifth and sixth.
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