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Caroline Magenga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE motocross junior sensation Tanya Muzinda was yesterday officially handed her new KTM motorbike by the outgoing European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell’Arricia. Muzinda was in May appointed European Union’s ambassador for food security in the rural areas where she was also promised a motocross bike that she received yesterday at Donnybrook Raceway in Harare.
The 10-year-old girl could not hide her excitement upon receiving the Austrian-made bike. “My journey started with my parents who believed that a girl child could do something unique and not traditionally what girls are supposed to do and that was (taking part in) motocross.
“I would like to thank the European Union for recognising my achievements. I accept this great honour not just for myself but for every little girl out there who has a dream,” said Muzinda.
The Eaglesvale School Grade Five pupil was also bestowed with the EU honorary ambassador for youth, gender, sports and development title yesterday.
The sporting sensation will not have much time to celebrate though as she is scheduled to have her first feel of the new bike between August 30-31 at the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championship in Kitwe, Zambia .
She will be the only girl in the contingent of 32 raiders who will represent Zimbabwe at this annual event which brings together all the top motocross riders from Africa.
Speaking at yesterday’s function, which was attended by several dignitaries from the European Union and Government officials, Dell’Arricia said Muzinda is a symbol of hope for women in sport.
“What I see when I look at Tanya is hope for the future and for gender considering that the girl has penetrated in a dominantly male sport and proven herself . . . Tanya is very courageous,” Dell’Arricia said.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Andrew Langa, whose speech was read on his behalf by the Ministry’s secretary Thokozile Chitepo, thanked the EU for the donation they made to the young girl.
“We also want to thank the European Union for identifying her as an ambassador for food security in rural Zimbabwe and also for facilitating the donation (of the motorbike) we are witnessing today, we really are truly very grateful,” said Langa.
“As a Ministry our aim is to increase standards of sports and ensure that it receives its full value and support from the Government starting at community, district and provincial up to national level.”
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