Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
FOURTH dan Black Belt Global Taekwondo Master, Admire Tshitshiliza, on Saturday conducted a Junior and Cadets Taekwondo Workshop that attracted over 60 students.
The workshop was held at Lord Brighton College in Nyabira, alongside a rugby tournament attended by seven schools – Goromonzi High School, Wise Owl College, Dolphins, Genesis Academy, Hatcliffe College, Little Giants Academy and hosts Lord Brighton College.
Master Tshitshiliza, who is also the Zimbabwe Junior National Team coach, was happy he trained a big group of students at a time when social ills like drug abuse are on the rise.
“I’m here trying to promote the sport and this is my first time to train a large group of juniors,” said Tshitshiliza.
“Taekwondo teaches discipline, peace and resilience.“At this time, when the nation is fighting drug abuse, programmes like these are important.
“It is my pleasure to be part of this training programme and happy that even the parents are supporting the sport as you can see the children are well dressed and this is a sign of the value they have attached to the sport,” he said.
He was also impressed with the sporting facilities at Lord Brighton College.
“I’m also happy with the sporting infrastructure here which will definitely encourage students to pursue sports alongside their academic commitments,” he said.
The tournament attracted kids as young as five-years-old.He said he has been working with the national team for 14 years, first as a junior player and graduating into a full player.
Lord Brighton College head, Mr Dennis Takaza, emphasised the importance of sports development and sports infrastructure in schools.
“Schools are a perfect place for identifying, developing and nurturing talent and, as educators, it is our role to provide these services,” he said.
The school has constructed sporting facilities for soccer, rugby, tennis, hockey, netball and a sports pavilion while water polo and swimming facilities are under construction.
There is a golf course whose construction is expected to start soon.
“We wish to host national and international teams here so we are putting the infrastructure together to achieve this in the near future.
“All these facilities will be under floodlights to support evening events,” he said.
The event was attended by community members, parents and Ministry of Primary and Secondary officials from Zimba District.
“This event aligns with the Heritage Based Curriculum that we have just rolled out. Sport is an integral part of our education as it comes with many benefits.
“We hope to see more of these completions and training workshops so that we give the kids are a platform to shine,” said Tatenda Matsopo, Zvimba District Schools Inspector.
Mathew Masinge