Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Tokyo Paralympics Games representatives Pamela Shumba and Vimbai Zvinowanda are acclimatising well under the hot Japanese weather ahead of their events next week.
Shumba will open Zimbabwe’s account when she competes in the 100m under T12 sports class on September 1, while Zvinowanda, will compete in the T47 sports class 200m on September 4.
T47 is for athletes with movement affected at a low to moderate degree in one arm or the absence of limbs, while T12 is for runners with visual impairment and their vision is constricted to a radius of less than five degrees and/or the ability to recognise a moving object at a distance of one metre.
Team Zimbabwe Chef de Mission Ignatius Vambe said: “Our athletes are acclimatising to the hot temperatures and have started training. They are working hard and we are hoping for the best.”
He assured the nation that both athletes and officials are safe from Covid-19 as the organisers are strictly enforcing all health protocols to safeguard against infections.
He said athletes and officials are not even allowed to go to the shops.
“There are very strict Covid-19 protocols here. In fact, we are in a bio-bubble. Covid-19 testing is done on a daily basis and athletes and officials are not allowed to visit shops, supermarkets or any other venue outside the activity plans. Any breach of the protocols and you will be sent packing,” said Vambe.
Online Reporter