Mujaji begins 500km walk for youth sports academy

ZIMBABWEAN Paralympic legend Elliot Mujaji set off from Bulawayo yesterday on a demanding walk to Harare as he launches a national fundraising drive to build a youth sports academy in Zvishavane.

Mujaji and seven companions expect the journey to take about 15 days as they move through towns and rural communities, raising awareness and financial support for the proposed Centre of Excellence and Youth Academy.

The project targets US$876 374 as part of a wider US$1 million campaign to establish a training centre that will nurture young athletes, including those living with disabilities.

For Mujaji, the walk carries deep personal meaning. Twenty-eight years ago, on 3 January 1998, an accident at work cost him his right hand and left him in a coma for months.

Doctors at United Bulawayo Hospitals fought to save his life during a period he now describes as the turning point that reshaped his future.

“Twenty-eight years ago, my life changed completely,” Mujaji said before starting the walk.

“An accident at work cost me my right hand and I spent months in a coma. The doctors and nurses at United Bulawayo Hospitals saved my life and I will always be grateful for that.”

The former Paralympian says the long trek across Zimbabwe reflects the resilience that shaped his life after the accident and the determination to open doors for young athletes who lack opportunity.

“This walk represents resilience and hope,” he said. “We want to raise US$876 374 to establish a Centre of Excellence and Youth Academy that will nurture young talent, including disabled youth, and give them a chance to chase their dreams.”

Mujaji hopes the academy will eventually grow into the Great Dyke Youth Sports Park, a multi-sport complex designed to identify and develop talent from mining towns and rural communities where training facilities remain scarce.

He believes Zimbabwe can produce far more elite athletes if young people are exposed to proper coaching and infrastructure early in their careers.

Mujaji points to his own experience as proof. A two-year sports scholarship in Australia gave him access to modern training facilities and professional support systems that helped shape his competitive journey.

“With better facilities here at home, many more young Zimbabweans can reach their potential,” he said.

As the walk gathers momentum, Mujaji is urging companies, schools and communities to support the initiative.

He has called for Zimbabweans to observe a “Sports Friday” on 20 March by wearing sports attire and contributing donations towards the academy project.

“This is about building something bigger than one person,” he said. “It is about creating opportunities for young athletes and leaving a legacy of inclusion and excellence for the next generation.”