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Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS Zimbabwe gears to host Regional Annual Sports Awards this month, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe says it’s a reflection of the country’s commitment to sport, youth development and regional integration.
RASA, a flagship event of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 is set for May 24 at the Rainbow Towers in Harare.
The awards ceremony will be graced by President Mnangagwa.
“The important regional event is held under the auspices of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, and Zimbabwe’s hosting reflect a national commitment to sport, youth development, and regional integration.
“RASA is a celebration of the values that sport represents: unity, excellence, perseverance and hope.
“It offers us the opportunity to honour the best sporting talents in Southern Africa and to demonstrate Zimbabwe’s readiness to host events of regional and international significance,” said Sanyatwe in a statement.
The awards were introduced in 2016 and this is the first time Zimbabwe are hosting.
The RASA were established to recognise and celebrate sporting excellence within the 10 AUSC Region 5 Member States – Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This is the first time Zimbabwe are hosting since the inception of the RASA in 2016.
“These awards serve not only as a celebration of athletic achievement but also a platform to foster regional solidarity, promote gender equality, and encourage participation in sport.
“They align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the aspiration of building a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Africa through sport and culture.
“By hosting RASA 2025, Zimbabwe will be making a significant contribution in realising its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), goals, while also showcasing the depth of its hospitality, talent, and cultural vibrancy.
“Zimbabwe’s successful thrust to host the 2025 RASA awards is a result of the country’s proven capacity to organise high-profile sporting events,” said Sanyatwe.
Zimbabwe successfully hosted the 2014 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games.
They hosted the AUSC regional meetings last year in November and the cultural night festival.
RASA Categories
Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year
Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
Sportswoman of the Year
Sportsman of the Year
Team of the Year
Coach of the Year
Sports Journalist of the Year
Sportsperson of the Year
Sports Confederation of the Year
African Union Sports Council Region 5 Award (Country of the Year).
Online Reporter