adminRichard Muponde, Lynnia Ndlovu in Gwanda
GWANDA roared into life as the National Paralympics games being hosted by Matabeleland South Province started in earnest on Friday punctuated by a colourful welcome parade at Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic College. All the country’s 10 provinces are represented and were welcomed by the provincial administrator, Midard Khumalo who urged the athletes and delegates to enjoy the hospitality of Matabeleland South.
The theme of the Games is “Promoting the rights of persons with disability through sport”.
Khumalo said Matabeleland South was convinced that it will deliver games with a difference taking into consideration that disability did not mean inability.
“The National Youth games we hosted in 2011 gave us the much needed experience and we hope you will experience our warm hospitality once again. Sports activities have a variety of values. These are aesthetic social values. While winning is important , it should not overshadow the core values of sport,” said Khumalo.
He said the Games were an opportunity for the athletes to network and show their sporting prowess while demonstrating unquestionable sportsmanship and fair play.
Soon after the welcome of athletes and delegates it was straight to business as all sporting disciplines which are part of the games started in different venues dotted around Gwanda District.
However, as of yesterday no official results could be released with officials indicating that they were only going to start releasing them after 7pm.
There was nothing to that effect at the time of going to print.
The Games will run until 4 April.
Online Reporter