Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Swimming are anticipating a bigger and better event as they brace for the National Sprint Gala to be staged in Mutare from October 16 to 17.
The inter-club gala is expected to attract clubs from all provinces, with swimmers also taking the opportunity to assess themselves in the early stages of the season. Most of provinces already have their provincial competitions running.
This year’s edition is being sponsored by Hammer and Tongues. Zimbabwe Swimming sponsorship, marketing, and public relations convener Tendai Mazike said they are excited to have their traditional sponsors back for the upcoming gala, and the rest of their national events.
“The traditional sponsors have always been Hammer and Tongues.
“But last year we managed to get a different sponsor for it, but Hammer and Tongues have offered to sponsor all our national events. “It includes the Sprint Gala, the Senior Nationals, the Junior Nationals, and the Level One Junior Championship.
“So, it’s quite encouraging to see the kind of support and commitment that we are getting from Hammer and Tongues…It shows that there is now support in the growth of swimming, which is not usually a big sport in Zimbabwe,” said Mazike.
Last year’s event was held in Bulawayo with EcoCash sponsoring the competition.
With some of the swimmers preparing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, the inter-club competition gives them a platform to gauge their preparations ahead of the regional and international assignments.
Mazike said they are expecting a good turnout.
“The preparation is going very well. And we are looking forward to a much bigger event from last year.
“I know that people are traditionally used to Mutare and we believe that because of that most of our swimmers will take part. It’s also known to be a faster pool where swimmers can get times for the senior nationals, the junior nationals, and also the South Africa tours. So, we are looking forward to it being a bigger event than last year. Those ones who are going to the Youth Olympic Games, it will be a good competition for them to practise as well. However, we will only get to know who is coming once we see the registration,” Mazike said. The gala held at the start of the season is also used to identify new talent.
“You see new talent emerging, especially at these platforms. It can also give you an indication of where you are as a swimmer especially when you are preparing for other competitions,” said Mazike.
Harare-based Spartans Swimming Club are the defending champions, and they have dominated the gala in the last few years.
