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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa yesterday underscored the need to invest in grassroots development for sport to realise its full potential.
Langa said this in a speech read on his behalf by permanent secretary in the ministry, Thokozile Chitepo, at a presentation of full sets of cricket equipment worth US$5 000 to Hupenyu Hutsva Primary School from Highfield and St Aiden from Chitungwiza by MoneyGram International yesterday at Harare Sports Club.
The minister said such initiatives play a vital role in the development of the young athletes as they pursue their dreams.
“It’s my pleasure to receive on behalf of these youngsters equipment that will enable them to fulfil their dream of becoming star cricket players. It is good to catch them young and develop them young in culture and mindset of sport, whether it’s cricket or any other sport.
“We, as the government, are very thankful to this gesture. This is not a donation, we see it as an investment,” said Langa.
Langa urged other private companies to take a leaf from MoneyGram International in supporting sport.
The minister indicated that sporting disciplines such as cricket were expensive and there was need for more sponsors to come on board to take the sport to the next level both at national and international level.
MoneyGram International regional director South/East Africa, Anton Luttig, said as the ICC international cricket sponsors, junior development was one of their key areas for investment.
“First of all MoneyGram is a sponsor of the ICC international cricket as well and grassroots development is at the core of that investment. Certainly, from right now, this was our first investment and the reaction was overwhelming and we are really humbled by that.
“Certainly we would review our programme for next year and our investing programme for next year. After that who knows there may be something possible especially with Raymond Price because he is also passionate about grassroots development and improving the grassroots levels in terms of cricket. So, certainly, will be able to do that in future,” said Luttig.
Earlier on Price had conducted a coaching clinic with the two schools and said he was happy to share his knowledge with the young players.
“I was just trying to help them with basic things, how they stand when they bat, picking their bat up and just try to teach them to enjoy the game and not be too tense when they play.
“And that they must really enjoy themselves that how it’s generally easier for you to express yourself. When you enjoy yourself it will be a lot easier. It’s fantastic and it’s nice to be able to pass on the knowledge that I have learnt. I have been so blessed to play for such a long time.
“It’s nice to give back and for company like MoneyGram to put something back it’s fantastic,” said Price.
The presentation was also graced by different stakeholders including Sports and Recreation Commission board member, Jessie Nyakatawa, and director general Charles Nhemachena.
Online Reporter