adminThe donation, worth US$30 000, comprised tracksuits, T-shirts, sporting shoes and jerseys and was handed over to ZNPC by a representative for the Swedish ambassador, Kristian Olsson Selerud, at the Sports and Recreation Commission offices in Harare.
Part of the equipment was distributed to outstanding athletes, both on national and international level, among them top wheelchair tennis player, Nyasha Mharakurwa and sprinter Elliot Mujaji who are set to represent the country at the Paralympic Games scheduled for August 29 to September 9 in London.
The equipment will also be distributed to the national association’s six umbrella associations — Association of Spinal Cord and International Sports, National Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Association, Zimbabwe Association of Sports for the blind, Association of Hearing Impaired Sports, National Association for Persons with intellectual disability and Cerebral Palsy and Recreation Association.
Selerud said the donation was in recognition of the hard work by the national Paralympic Committee in creating sporting opportunities for people living with disabilities.
“The donation by Adidas Nordics is in recognition of the ZNPC’s great contribution to the sporting community and determination to making sport accessible to people living with disability.
“Sports, athletic competition and recreation can and should be enjoyed by everybody. The purpose of this donation is to inspire these athletes to pursue their dreams. The world of sport is open to everybody,” said Selerud.
ZNPC president, Michael Bulagango said it was an honour to be working with Adidas.
“This timely donation came at a time when our athletes are preparing for London 2012.
“Adidas are one of the best labels in the world and we are privileged to be associated with such a label. This will assist our athletes by fostering a spirit of competitiveness.
“We will cherish this donation hoping other organisations will take a leaf from what Adidas have done,” said Bulagango.
Education, Sport Arts and Culture secretary, Constance Chigwamba, who was the guest of honour, said the support by Adidas and the Embassy was commendable.
“The efforts of the Swedish Embassy in support of the sporting interests of people living with disabilities is certainly commendable and we appreciate it.
“It is government’s earnest belief that sport is a basic human right, as articulated in the disabilities act of 2001, those living with disabilities should not be deprived of the same. “
It is therefore noble for private sector corporate to join hands with the government of Zimbabwe in its endeavour to provide for conducive sporting environment for our sportspersons.
“This is the corporate support that can take our sporting endeavours to greater heights and that will produce the best of sports persons in our communities,” said Chigwamba.
Chigwamba said the donation brings hope to the nation as it strengthens partnerships between government and the corporate world.
“In the face of an economy that is still to recover, the resources that have to be allocated to sport will continue to be on the very meagre side.
“My ministry is committed to a transformation of this trend and the participation of business and commerce is essential.
“As part of government’s contribution to sport development, we support the inclusion of rebate on duty for all sport goods imported for the sole benefit of the development of port.
“This is part of what we as government are doing in order to reciprocate corporate support of sport,” said Chigwamba. Chigwamba said the equipment will go a long way in helping the nation realise its sport goals and easing the challenges that are being encountered by disabled people.
Online Reporter