Kirsty humbled by Ansa honour

Annual National Sports Awards ceremony, said she felt humbled by the award and is now looking forward to doing her country proud at next year’s London Olympics Games.
Coventry had been preparing for the Summer Games in Monaco at the invitation of fellow Zimbabwean Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer.
“I got my first award at primary school way back then and they keep coming. My parents have most of my trophies.
“It makes me proud to be Zimbabwean and makes me proud to be able to be here with all the other athletes. Congratulations to all the finalists, the teams and coaches who are always behind the scenes and all the supporters. This means a lot to me.
“I am looking forward to having some good races. Hopefully, I will make everyone proud here. There are still a lot of things I am working on and fixing technically to get better.
“It has been really relaxing in Europe. It is very quiet with no distractions and it’s also hard being away from family and friends while training.
“The most memorable medals for me this year would be the events I swam in the All-Africa Games. They were really good races for me,” said Coventry.
She pocketed US$3 000 for the Sportsperson of the Year honour and US$1 200 for the Sportswoman of the year award.
The golden girl also revealed that she was among the first people to congratulate Steven Muzhingi in South Africa when he won the Comrades Marathon, and the duo appear to have a good rapport as the ultra-marathon runner joined Kirsty on the podium once her name was called out as the Sportsperson of the Year.
Zimbabwe Aquatics Union also underlined their status as one of the growing sports in the country when swimmer James Lawson was crowned – in absentia – Junior Sportsperson as well as Junior Sportsman of the year. Lawson was the notable absentee following a huge turnout by the foreign-based stars this year.
It was quite refreshing to see United States-based tennis star Takanyi Garan’anga going to the podium to receive his bronze medal.
The senior rugby national team, who scooped the team of the year, added colour and humour to the whole event as they broke into song and dance as soon as the Mighty Warriors were named the silver medalists as they prepared to take to the podium. When their coach Brendon Dawson was named Coach of the Year, the Sables started singing their rendition opf the popular radio jingle: “Nyatsoteerera unzwe kutonga, mu-office munaDawson . . .”
It was really a night of glamour and honour as athletes warmed down after a busy season.
Guest of honour, shooting legend Dave Westerhout also urged the athletes to pursue their dreams.
“It is a great honour to represent Zimbabwe, particularly at the Olympics as not many people are that lucky, so when given such an opportunity you should treasure it.
“The best advice is to simply not give up. Even under difficult circumstances. If you don’t try, you don’t know what you can do,” said Westerhout.
Delta Beverages, the Sport and Recreation Commission’s principal partners were honoured with a Special Acknowledgement Award.
Awards:
Sportsperson of the Year – US$3 000
Team of the year – US$3 000
Junior Sportsperson – US$1 500
Sportsman of the Year – US$1 200
Sportswoman of the Year – US$1 200
Technical official of the Year – US$1 200
Coach of the Year – US$1 200.