adminAugustine Hwata Sports Reporter
THE Special Olympics Zimbabwe National Games reaches the climax today at Prince Edward with the highlight being the selection of the team to represent Zimbabwe at the World Summer Games in Los Angles next year.
The sporting show for athletes with intellectual disabilities burst into life on Thursday with the athletes competing mostly in seven-a-side football, golf and athletics after a torch run.
Athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the provinces went through their provincial championships which culminated in their selection to these national games.
SOZ sports director, John Muringani, said they were pleased with this year’s national games because of the presence of Special Olympics Africa officials, Charles Nyambe, who is the operations and programme development director.
Another official, Stabiso Sithole, who is in charge of organisational development and administration services, is also in attendance.
The duo of Nyambe and Sithole are in Zimbabwe to train and officiate as well as help SOZ boost their capacity.
“They are helping in training our coaches on the current Special Olympics International Rules and Games ahead of the forthcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015.
“People with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instructions and encouragement, enjoy, learn and benefit from participation in individual and team sports,” said Muringani.
The National Games Special Olympics Zimbabwe will be sending a contingent of 35 athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Muringani said SOZ were also embarking on a massive fund-raising drive to send their team to Los Angles next year.
Zimbabwe last took part at the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, where there were represented by 19 athletes but missed the 2011 edition in Athens, Greece.
“The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as respected members of society by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs,” said Muringani.
derick.khumalo