Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
GOLF will take centre stage in Chinhoyi when the inaugural Munhumutapa Golf Tournament tees off in a fortnight as part of activities surrounding the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference.
Organisers say the tournament, which blends sport, heritage and community development, is set to become a highlight of the conference programme.
The event is expected to attract business executives, professionals, policymakers, diplomats, sporting administrators and community leaders, creating a unique networking platform both on and off the course.
In remarks delivered by deputy chairperson Mr Kudzai Karoro during a tour of conference-related projects in Chinhoyi by ZANU PF national and provincial leadership on Friday, tournament chairperson Dr Tinashe Ziki said the vision was to establish a competition that goes beyond golf and leaves a lasting impact on communities.
“The Munhumutapa Golf Tournament is more than an annual sporting competition.
“It is a platform that brings together people from different backgrounds while supporting community development and the growth of sport,” said Dr Ziki.
Organisers hope the event will help mobilise resources towards the development of sporting infrastructure, promotion of junior golf and creation of opportunities for young athletes.
Part of the proceeds generated through sponsorships and other fundraising initiatives will be channelled towards programmes designed to broaden participation in sport, including initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities and persons with disabilities.
“This gives the event a lasting legacy; the tournament should leave something behind after the final putt is played,” said Dr Ziki.
The tournament also draws inspiration from Zimbabwe’s rich heritage and the recent recognition of Munhumutapa Day as a public holiday.
The tournament, Dr Ziki said, would run under the theme “Honouring our past, understanding our present and driving our future”.
He said values associated with the Munhumutapa civilisation, including leadership, enterprise, trade and innovation, would underpin the event.
The tournament comes as Chinhoyi undergoes extensive infrastructure upgrades ahead of the ruling party’s annual conference, which will run from October 12 to 17 at Chinhoyi University of Technology.
About 8 000 delegates, support staff, foreign guests and media personnel are expected to attend the conference.
For golf enthusiasts, however, attention will also be on the fairways as players compete in what organisers hope will become a flagship sporting event on the national calendar.
If successful, the Munhumutapa Golf Tournament could evolve into an annual competition that not only promotes the game but also supports community development and youth participation in sport.
