Online Reporter
International Olympic Committee president-elect Kirsty Coventry, who is also Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister, will be warmly welcomed in Harare today.
The 41-year-old was elected the 10th President of the IOC at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday.
She is expected at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport around 16:00hrs.
Coventry replaces outgoing President Thomas Bach for an eight-year term of office, starting on Olympic Day, 23 June.
She has become the first woman and the first African to serve as IOC President.
The president-elect comes in at a time the IOC must make difficult decisions on the issue of the Russian Olympic ban and that of transgender women in sport.
What they said soon after the election
Minister Kirsty Coventry
“I’m very proud to call myself a Zimbabwean and to have grown up there, for my mum to have been born there, my grandmother… And, to Africa: this is our time.”
Outgoing president Thomas Bach
“There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
President Mnangagwa
“In centuries to come, whenever the history of the IOC is spoken about or written down, Zimbabwe will be mentioned as having produced the first female president,the first African president…”
Sebastian Coe – Election rival
“I think what is pretty clear is that the athletes and women members in particular supported her very strongly in the first round, and you know those things happen in elections.”
Thank you for walking this journey with me – Kirsty Coventry
Sports Reporter
SPORT, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry is back in the country after her election as International Olympic Committee president.
The IOC president-elect was assisted through the protocols at RGM International Airport by officials from the Sports Ministry and the Sports and Recreation Committee this evening.
The 41-year-old was elected the 10th President of the IOC at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday.
Minister Coventry replaces outgoing president Thomas Bach for an eight-year term of office, starting on Olympic Day, 23 June.
Upon arrival in Harare, she received a bouquet of flowers from Deputy Minister of
Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Emily Jesaya, before getting on the dance floor, much to the delight of many stakeholders that gathered to give her a warm welcome.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking this journey with me. All of you have played a significant role in doing that,” said Minister Coventry.
“We broke down so many barriers. I would like to thank all my IOC colleagues for giving me the faith, confidence and trust.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa promised continued support to the IOC president-elect.
“This is very significant, especially for the girl child, for all women out there,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“You are a source of inspiration for many girls.”
Minister Coventry has become the first woman and the first African to serve as IOC President.
The president-elect comes in at a time the IOC must make difficult decisions on the issue of the Russian Olympic ban and that of transgender women in sport.
