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Ricky Zililo, in Nyanga
WORLD Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) official Nicholas Munyonga has encouraged schools to invest in proper equipment to reduce casualties as most athletes’ injuries have been sustained at schools.
Addressing 320 delegates who attended the third edition of the Sports Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe (SLIZ) in Nyanga, Munyonga also encouraged school trainers to apply correct training methods so that they minimise injuries.
Munyonga was presenting a paper on doping and sports injury.
Most of the delegates who attended the summer camp were from the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH), the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) as well as tertiary institutions, who Munyonga said are key in athletes’ development.
“The worrying part is that most sports injuries, some which have ended promising athletes’ future, happen at schools. There are a number of things that can be done to minimise injuries. Key among recommendations meant to protect athletes include medical examinations on athletes before they start any sporting activity, proper warm-up, adequate and correct training and nutrition,” said Munyonga.
He said at times coaches tend to overload athletes leading to these injuries.
Munyonga said investing in equipment also covered preparing sports fields. The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president Tendai Tagara also echoed Munyonga’s sentiments.
“School heads and sports directors please make sure that on the day schools open in January the fields are ready and you start preparing for the athletics season. If you delay starting your preparations there are risks that your athletes might suffer muscle strains when the going gets tough,” said Tagara.
Meanwhile, Munyonga, who is also the Regional Anti-Doping Agency (RADA) board chairman, said a Zimbabwean doctor will today join nine other medical practitioners from Southern Africa who will be trained as doping control officers at a three-day workshop in Cape Town, South Africa.
“We are sending Dr Farai Muguwe, who was seconded by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, to train as a doping control officer in Cape Town where he will be joined by nine other doctors from Southern Africa. Upon completion of the training, Muguwe will be able to train local anti-doping officers,” said Munyonga.
– @ZililoR
Online Reporter