adminThere was a huge turnout at the National Athletics of Zimbabwe 20th edition two-day track and field Inter-provincial finals which went off the blocks at White City Stadium yesterday afternoon with representatives from all of the country’s 10 provinces in attendance.
However, despite having six countries confirming involvement in the country’s most prestigious athletics event, only eight athletes from Mozambique were conspicuous in their presence.
NAAZ president Tendai Tagara described this year’s edition as the best in terms of attendance and he was delighted by the dedication shown by all the athletics boards from all provinces.
“Looking at the numbers at this year’s edition, without any doubt the competition has been the greatest compared to the previous ones and it reflects that all of our local athletics boards are putting maximum efforts,” said Tagara.
Also participating are 65 athletes from the Zimbabwe Republic Police who are also using this event to prepare for the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisations Games scheduled for South Africa later this year.
The main track and field events were reserved for the final day (today) as only the 100m and 400m events were held yesterday as warm up sessions.
The NAAZ president also said that with the commitment shown at this year’s event, the country was definitely assured of a number of gold and silver medals at the forthcoming All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo in September.
“Gold and silver medals from the All Africa Games are assured if the athletes are to continue with the dedication they showed in this event,” added Tagara.
From the event, which continues this morning, 16 athletes will be selected to represent Zimbabwe at the World Youth Championships set for Colombia in July and the All-Africa Games.
Online Reporter