dyton mupawaenda
Curtworth Masango
ZIMBABWE’S multi award winning martial artist Wilfred Mashaya is happy after being inducted into the Poland Martial Arts Hall of fame.
Though Mashaya failed to travel to Poland to receive his award, the organising committee went on to honour him in absentia and the Zimbabwean flag was displayed among other flags at the ceremony in recognition of one of the most decorated local athletes.
“Firstly, this means a lot to me and my nation Zimbabwe. Through sports we can rise up and be recognised by other countries,” he said.
“I became very happy to see our National flag being raised amongst other countries, and also having our country being talked about by other people from other countries.
“This means we have that skill, the talent that can be recognised by the international community. I am happy that this is not only for me, but for our country Zimbabwe as it raises our flag high, makes us known and puts us on the map through our God-given talents.” He added:
“It feels good seeing the international community recognising me. I am really humbled and I want to thank God.
“It is all through hard work and having that spirit of a warrior. I believe in discipline also as everything needs commitment, dedication, hard work and also believing in oneself.
“Through all these it helps us to utilise our talents, that’s all I can say about how I feel towards this. I feel very much blessed among other people’s sons and I am happy because it is for my nation to be proud among others.”
Mashaya lamented the lack of funding as it made his journey difficult. He, however, pledged to keep working hard to raise the country’s flag high.
“Due to lack of sponsorship sometimes I would end up sacrificing with the little money that I have to make sure this dream will come true. Despite finances being hard to get I didn’t quit knowing that one day the business people and corporate world will chip in. I told myself I won’t quit because of lack of finances as it means the end of everything.
“But I keep going through those obstacles, as I keep on finding ways on how I can get few cents to sponsor whatever needs to be sponsored for me to live this dream.
“The passion that I have is all that matters and I will continue doing something for my nation through sport and that is enough motivation to keep me going.
“I hope one day even the corporate world will come and recognise my efforts and help.”
Online Reporter