Sport effective for economic development – Governor

the lives of people’s living with disabilities, Mashonaland West Governor and Resident Minister has said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Paralympic Games that were being staged in Chinhoyi at the weekend, Faber Chidarikire said sport empowers the disabled to realise their dreams.
“Sport has emerged as one major catalyst for bridging the gaps in our communities especially in relation to those living with disabilities. These games empower individuals to excel in their endeavours,” he said.
He said people living with disabilities can realise international fame and fortune through sport, citing athletes like Elliot Mujaji who was a 2004 International Paralympic Games gold medallist.
Midlands emerged this year’s National Paralympic Games overall winners with a haul of 58 medals – 25 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze – while last years’ winners Masvingo came second with 49 medals.
Bulawayo came third with hosts Mashonaland West coming fifth and Matabeleland South anchored the log standings in an event that saw all 10 provinces participating for the first time since the Games’inception four years ago.
Mashonaland West handed the baton to Matabeleland North province who were represented by Governor and resident Minister Thokhozile Matutu.
She said the province will learn from this year’s hosts and improve on their shortcomings to guarantee a flawless event next year.
“We are going to ensure that there are ramps to ensure smooth movement of people with disabilities. But we also want to ensure that funding is made available on time so that it does not come when it is no longer needed,” he said.
The games attracted about 2000 athlete and officials.
Mujaji said parents should not hide their disabled children but should allow them to participate in sport so that they can interact with others.
“In participating in sport children, with disabilities will have a platform to discover themselves and interact with other children.”
Meanwhile, Felex Share in Gweru reports that Midlands’ provincial Governor, Jason Machaya, on Monday saluted the province’s Paralympic team for emerging victorious at the national Games which ended in Chinhoyi on Sunday.
The team, which paid Machaya a courtesy call immediately after arriving in Gweru, came first beating three time defending champions Masvingo.
Machaya hailed the team for its achievement, saying it showed the province took sport seriously.
“On behalf of the province, let me say you have done us proud by this achievement.
“You have put the Midlands on the map and I am personally impressed by the fact that we are the first ones to beat Masvingo since the inception of the Games in 2008.
“This is a sign that Midlands is developing and this is the beginning of greater things to come and I will see to it that something is done for you when we officially host you.
“Even the business community, which stood by you through your preparations, will be happy with the good news,” he said.
The province came fourth in last year’s games in Mutare.
Midlands Paralympic team general manager Ruben Mabhena attributed the team’s victory to hard work.
“This is a sign of hard work on the part of the management and the athletes from all the eight districts.
“Our major problem, however, is the fact that a single wheelchair costs about US$3 000 and because we didn’t have money, we ended up using the old ones but we are happy we managed to win.
“We even give credit to the Governor and the business people for standing with us in needy times. The win is for the province,” he said.