Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival are expected to start today until October 10 at United College of Education in Bulawayo.
A total of 26 ministries and five parastatals are set to compete in the event.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa said the festival aims to foster a culture of fitness and wellness, while also driving socio-economic development and promoting gender equity.
“We are enhancing recreational activities through a collaborative, Government-wide approach. Our core principles are gender inclusivity, equity, and the fight against non-communicable diseases,” she said.
“To ensure coordination, we have established an inter-ministerial committee, supported by the technical expertise of the SRC, which is developing the competition guidelines.”
“In terms of inclusivity, we are making sure that all sporting disciplines are open to both male and female civil servants. We have football, volleyball, chess, and tug-of-war competitions for both men and women.”
More than 2 600 individuals are set to take part in these games.
“It is mandatory for every ministry and Government agency to send an equal number of male and female participants. The only exception is netball, but we are working with the national netball association to introduce netball for men, as it is now an established sport at the national level,” said Dr Chidhakwa.
“For the first time this year, we have included civil servants with disabilities. We are being guided by the SRC and the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Committee to integrate suitable sporting disciplines.”
“Each ministry is required to bring athletes who are civil servants and disabled to participate in these events. We are starting with a few sports this year and will continuously introduce more, including options like darts,” she said.
Dr Chidhakwa also mentioned that they have integrated sports activities with cultural activities.
“Beyond the sporting activities, we will host a cultural evening to promote our national dress, featuring a dressing competition with one male and one female representative from each ministry.”
“This event also creates an informal platform for dialogue. The Public Service Commission will engage with civil servants of all levels, from general workers to permanent secretaries, to discuss issues and foster networking.”
“We are reviving cultural heritage through ‘Nharire Yemusha,’ a platform where we can engage with traditional leaders from our host province, reminding us that we don’t live in isolation and must celebrate our cultural roots.”
