adminTHERE are men and women who have no distinctive positions but whose contribution towards the development of society in general and sport in particular, needs special mention.
Joseph Rego, a sports management and entertainment guru, is such one person for his contribution to Bulawayo and in particular sport in the city.
The commitment, undying support and passion he has exhibited in that regard deserves special mention. It has been Rego’s ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution and also a very clear path to his happiness has always hinged on the success of others.
Hailed as the “Emperor of Cricket” in Zimbabwe by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa on Africa Day, the sports management and entertainment maestro, Indian-born Rego recently made headlines after successfully organising the inaugural edition of the Old Mutual Raj Modi T20 Children’s Cricket Cup in Suburbs which attracted more than 2 000 schoolchildren and parents on Africa Day.
The event was also meant to pay tribute to one of Bulawayo’s most celebrated businesspersons Raj Modi for not only bankrolling the Heath Streak multi-sports academy, but his invaluable support to sport in general in the city over the years.
The event which was part of the celebrations of the first anniversary of the Academy, and was held in association with Rohan Sports, saw academies from three countries, namely South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe taking part, with Fazak Zimbabwe lifting the prestigious Old Mutual Raj Modi T20 glittering trophy when they beat Ian Smith’s South Africa by 19 runs in the finals of the three nation triangular series.
“My boys are capable of beating the national team,’’ said an ecstatic Rego, who is the chief executive officer and executive director of the Heath Streak Academy.
Ironically, the world class multi-sports structure was established in Bulawayo by the sports management icon, Rego, in support of children; barring caste, creed and colour.
“It was a great honour to have Vice-President Mnangagwa officiate at our first anniversary celebrations and his presence could be a fitting tribute to Bulawayo business mogul Raj Modi towards his contribution to sport and the nation,’’ said Rego.
“If at all, there was one individual who deserved to be feted at our first anniversary celebrations, it is none other than Bulawayo’s business tycoon and philanthropist Raj Modi whose contribution towards community development and sports is enormous” added Rego.
Rego confirmed that Vice-President Mnangagwa had accepted his offer to be the Patron of the academy, which he initiated two years ago.
“I’m really happy to see what Joseph Rego and his Heath Streak Academy is doing here. They’re playing a pivotal role in the development of sport. Having teams coming from other countries in the region is a great honour because it exposes our children to competition at an international level. The efforts of Joseph Rego and the Academy are welcomed by the Government as they keep children occupied and restrained from going astray” said Vice-President Mnangagwa, at the Academy where he was guest of honour on Africa Day.
“Old Mutual and Raj Modi are making great strides in uplifting the communities through their financial support. They are in line with the goal of Zim Asset and we encourage other companies to emulate them and support the youth in sports regardless of which discipline they are in. Sports are a big part of community building and the Government will continue supporting such initiatives” added VP Mnangagwa.
Rego said the event would be held annually and cricket enthusiasts should expect to see more teams coming from different countries in the region.
Rego shot to fame in this country with the launch of “My Vision, My Dream” his brainchild on 14 November 2014. The event was a culmination of an initiative to introduce children to high profile events such as opening ceremonies at the Olympic Games.
Rego, recalls how he wore a glowing smile on his face as kids marched in a colourful procession at the launch of his vision which then looked set to revolutionise the development of cricket, not only in Zimbabwe, but possibilities were that it could turn out to be the biggest such project in Africa.
The initiative, which he said was close to his heart, created history in the City of Kings as it was the first of its kind in the country. It was aimed at transforming the lives of hundreds of talented kids especially from high-density suburbs who had no access to sports facilities and equipment.
“Sports and education are the birthright of every child in this world and I wish this country could produce a few more people like Joseph Rego who’re prepared to let children benefit from their knowledge and experience in sport. Joseph Rego my brother, you’re an asset to this country and we’re there to look after you,” said Langa at the launch.
The Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister, Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, was equally impressed by Rego’s initiative.
“It’s been his vision to reach out to schools from underprivileged backgrounds and transform the lives of hundreds of schoolchildren by offering them the opportunity to play cricket in a professional environment, organise dedicated training programmes, strategies and coaches who would impart serious coaching, guidance and education to these less fortunate pupils coming from underprivileged environs,’’ said Moyo.
“The children of this country have benefited immensely from his marvellous initiative and he has proved that the game of cricket no longer bears the elite tag in this country. It gives me pride to know that there’re people with good hearts like Joseph Rego who’ve interest in sports. I must say that his programme is in line with our economic blueprint, Zim Asset that spells out the people’s need which includes sport. His programme empowers children and is therefore a part of poverty eradication. If the less privileged are afforded a chance to play sport, one day poverty will be eradicated when they turn professionals and earn a living through sport.”
Rego is confident that in three to five years the country would reap from the immense talent and potential that his initiative will identify from the western suburbs. Rego has always attributed the success of his initiatives to the corporate world.
Rego’s corporate cricket league will identify talent and nominate players to attend provincial age group trials relevant to ability and potential. The league will encourage aspiring young cricketers to develop their skills and ensure coaching sessions were held within a progressive and fun-filled environment in the true spirit of the game. The academy will also inspire and motivate girls to play cricket and engage in outreach programmes to support young talented girls to train and coach at the academy.
- To be continued
Online Reporter