Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORTS, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe will today officially open the 35th edition of the Danhiko Paralympic Games at the Danhiko Project in Msasa, Harare.
The four day event began on Thursday and has already turned the venue into a lively festival of sport and inclusion. More than 1 500 athletes from 66 teams across Zimbabwe, plus invited sides from Zambia, are competing in at least ten disciplines.
Danhiko Games technical support director Francisca Kumbemba said the event continues to deliver on its founding mission.
“We are very excited. The Minister of Sport will officially open the Games today. The Danhiko Games are a premier annual event that provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents, promoting inclusivity and empowerment through sports for persons with disabilities from across Zimbabwe and beyond.”
Kumbemba highlighted the strong turnout and the buzz on the field.
“We have teams and clubs from all parts of the country and beyond. Last year we had 1 413 participants and a team from Zambia was represented as well. Our goal is to provide a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impact on the athletes, their families and the community. We are enjoying fireworks in the competition so far.”
Yet she also admitted the organisers are feeling the pinch of limited sponsorship.
“As it stands, we have no sponsors on board to finance prizes for the winners and provide other support needed. But we have already secured trophies and medals for the winners. Our appeal to the corporate world is that please come on board and support us.”
Despite the funding gap, Kumbemba remains upbeat.
“It is from the Danhiko Games that we get to identify talent, nurture it and prepare it for international events where we always try to hoist the country’s flag. Bar the unavailability of sponsors, I can safely say we are really enjoying every turn, sprint, throw and everything else.”
Minister Sanyatwe’s presence is expected to further energise the competition, which closes tomorrow.
