Naaz begins AUSC Games preparations

Watson Madanyika

THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) is gearing up for the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) Open Track and Field championships, which will be held at White City Stadium on March 22.

This event will serve as an important opportunity for national team selectors to scout talent for the upcoming AUSC Region Five Games in Namibia this July.

Athletes from various age groups, including cadets (Under-14), youths (Under-18), juniors (Under-20), and seniors (over 20), will compete in a range of events to showcase their potential and earn a spot in the national team.

Watson Madanyika, the Bab chairperson, emphasised the significance of the event.

“The March 22 event is important because it allows athletes to qualify for a prestigious regional competition. We will have the best athletes from around the country taking part, so we call upon athletes to register for this event in their numbers,” said Madanyika.

The competition will feature a range of track and field events, including 100, 200, 400, 1500, 3000 and 5000m, as well as long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, discus, javelin, hammer throw and mixed relays.

The event is expected to attract athletes from various clubs, schools and universities across Zimbabwe as they prepare for the peak athletics season.

Naaz has also opened entries for their Junior Championships, which will take place at White City Stadium on April 12, 2025.

The championship will feature a variety of events for young athletes, including sprints, middle-distance races, jumps, and throws. The entry fee for individual athletes is US$2 per event and US$4 per relay team.

Furthermore, the Bulawayo Marathon, after a hiatus since its last sponsorship by Coca-Cola in 2005, will make a comeback on April 19, 2025. The marathon will include 21km, 10km and five kilometre, with entry fees set at $15. Registration for the marathon began on January 15, 2025 and will close on April 15, 2025.

Race number collection will take place from April 16 to 18, 2025, with the marathon aiming to inspire healthy living and community engagement.

Both the athletics championships and the marathon promise to offer exciting and competitive environments for athletes across Zimbabwe.

—@innocentskizoe