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Nkosilathi Sibanda, nkosilathi.sibanda@chronicle .co.zw
IF there is something to talk about, it has to be the revival of sporting activities brought in by the Victoria Falls Sports Academy in developing talent in the resort city.
Here is a city that was so underrated and unnoticed but now is where talent is being nurtured and groomed.
Lack of sporting activities in Victoria Falls City is what inspired the establishment of the Victoria Falls Sport Academy.
The academy has become the pride of sporting excellence that aims at being a “feeder” to national teams.
When it started, its focus was on chess but has now set sights on expanding its reach by adopting popular sports such as netball, athletics, volleyball and football, in a move that could change lifestyles of many people in the resort city according to Mercy Mushangwe, the chairperson of the academy.
Mushangwe singled out chess as the sport code that has brought tremendous change to the city of Victoria Falls.
She said their initiative had transformed the perception residents had about sport.
Mushangwe said children and the community have embraced sport not only as a pastime but as a means to living healthy lifestyles.
“We as the Victoria Falls Sports Academy have launched an initiative where we aim to promote active lifestyles. We started with chess but we want to expose our residents to other sporting activities as well,” said Mushangwe.
She said their move to promote the game of chess had received tremendous support from schools and individuals.
“Ever since we started, we have seen a change in the way people in Victoria Falls approach sport. There is now so much enthusiasm within the community and we are glad to have brought that change of mindset,” said Mushangwe
She said the performance of the national netball team, the Gems, at the World Cup underway in Cape Town, South Africa, had ignited interest in netball among Victoria Falls residents.
“We cannot help but applaud how the Gems have raised the country’s flag high.
“It has inspired many of our youngsters to venture into netball and that is why we are planning to also establish vibrant, competitive games on netball and other sports.
“Our children have been exposed to a lot of competitions organised by the National Association of Primary School Heads and the National Association of Secondary Heads.
“These platforms have given them enough exposure and we aim to ride on that,” said Mushangwe.
Online Reporter