Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOVERNMENT is pinning hopes on sport to help fight drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe to develop a new generation of disciplined young people.
The message was delivered during the 11th edition of the Vocational Institutions Sports Association (VISA) National Tournament held at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre, where Midlands Province emerged overall winners after an impressive campaign.
Midlands topped the medals table with 12 gold, 11 silver and eight bronze medals, finishing ahead of Mashonaland Central, who claimed second position with nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals.
Manicaland completed the top three after collecting three gold, five silver and five bronze medals, while Matabeleland North finished fourth with three gold and four silver medals.
Matabeleland South came fifth with two gold, four silver and six bronze medals, followed by Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Harare.
The tournament, which brought together students from Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the country, was held under the theme: “From Play to Purpose: Shaping Future Drug-Free Champions through Sport in Vocational Training.”
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinoda Machakaire said the games have grown beyond competition.
“The theme is both timely and profound, as it captures the transformative role of sport as a vehicle for character formation, social inclusion and national development,” said Machakaire.
“It reminds us that sport, when combined with skills training, can keep our youth healthy, focused and drug-free.
“Sport occupies our young people’s time and energy productively, builds their self-esteem and provides a positive alternative to the destructive path of drug and substance abuse that continues to threaten the future of our nation.”
Machakaire said Government remains focused on transforming VTCs into centres of excellence that nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and holistic development in line with Vision 2030.
Sport Minister Anselem Sanyatwe said sport remains a strategic pillar in national development, with Government working to expand access to facilities and opportunities.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that sport, recreation, arts and culture are deliberately harnessed as strategic instruments for national development in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2,” said Sanyatwe.
“These investments are not merely about constructing infrastructure; they are about creating opportunities for talent identification and development, promoting healthy communities, stimulating sport tourism, strengthening regional integration and contributing to local economic growth,” he said.
