Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Paralympic movement in Zimbabwe is set to get a major boost after the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Committee was recently selected as one of the 50 associations to receive special international funding.
Zimbabwe was selected during the recent International Paralympic Committee’s 22nd General Assembly and Conference held in Seoul, South Korea.
Committee president Witness Magulula was amongst the over 400 attendees and his presence was not in vain.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub upon his return, Magulula said, “Zimbabwe is among the 50 NPCs that is going to be supported under the IPC Development Model, an initiative that will see Zimbabwe getting funding for National Development Camps, Para Sport Festivals and developing Para Sport in communities. The model helps increase grassroots participation, expand access to Para Sport training, and nurture national-level athletes — strengthening the entire para ecosystem from the ground up.
“There is also a possibility of NPC Zimbabwe receiving from IPC a Mobility Grant that can be used to develop Para Sport facilities or make the existing facilities accessible to para athletes. It will also receive equipment support grant that will be used to purchase para sport equipment, which will go a long way in capacitating the ZNPC.”
This comes at a time when the Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture reaffirmed its position to foster inclusivity through the National Sport and Recreation Policy.
Speaking at the Danhiko Annual Games in Harare recently, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe hailed Danhiko Project and their partners for their consistency in hosting para-games over the past 35 years.
In his address Sanyatwe said, “Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Danhiko Project, whose visionary leadership and tireless efforts have brought us to this remarkable milestone. Thirty-five years of consistent dedication to empowering persons with disabilities through sport is no small feat. You have provided a platform where talent flourishes, where barriers are broken, and where every athlete is seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Danhiko Project spokesperson Fransisca Kumbemba said the coming in of international funding will be handy in helping para-sports in the country.
“Let me begin by saluting our all-weather friends who have supported us through and through in our toil.
“The coming in of the international funding will also help us in so many ways.
“We have churned out several internationally-acclaimed champions like Elliot Majani. We believe with all this support, we can go far.”
