Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Pickleball Association (ZPA) has appointed Roman Catholic nun, Sister Claris Gowo, as its national patroness in a move aimed at strengthening the sport’s grassroots development while promoting youth empowerment, safeguarding and community transformation.
The appointment forms part of the association’s broader strategy to use pickleball as a vehicle for social development, with a strong emphasis on creating safe and inclusive environments for children and families.
Zimbabwe Pickleball Association president and founder, Mthandazo Ngwenya, said Sister Gowo’s appointment reflects the association’s belief that sport should extend beyond competition and contribute to the well-being of communities.
“The appointment of Sister Claris Gowo is rooted in our conviction that sustainable grassroots sports development must be integrated with education, social welfare and community building,” said Ngwenya.
“Her visionary approach to creating opportunities for young people, coupled with her extensive work in community outreach and development, makes her an ideal leader to help drive this vision.”
He said the association intends to transform pickleball courts into safe spaces where young people can develop not only their sporting talent but also positive values.
“By bringing an esteemed educational and community leader into the sporting discipline, the ZPA aims to position pickleball courts not just as athletic spaces, but as safe, inclusive havens for children and families,” he said.
Ngwenya said Sister Gowo’s long-standing commitment to youth counselling, grassroots upliftment and restoring dignity to vulnerable members of society aligns with the association’s mission of promoting discipline, healthy lifestyles and social inclusion through sport.
As patroness, Sister Gowo will provide strategic leadership centred on community engagement, youth development and institutional growth. She will serve as the association’s ambassador, strengthen partnerships with communities and stakeholders, and advocate for family values and greater youth participation in sport.
Ngwenya said she would also advise the association’s executive leadership, drawing on her academic qualifications, which include an MBA in Child and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding and a PhD in Assessment and Quality Assurance in Education.
“Her expertise will help ensure that our youth programmes adhere to the highest standards of safeguarding and care while strengthening governance within the association,” he said.
He added that Sister Gowo would leverage her extensive networks in the education sector, grassroots communities and government institutions to mobilise partnerships, attract sponsorship and improve access to equipment in underserved communities.
Ngwenya said Sister Gowo had accepted the appointment on a voluntary basis, underscoring her commitment to advancing community development through the power of sport.
