ZNA rewards athletic recruits

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) yesterday rewarded excelling recruits who emerged victorious in various sporting disciplines in a six-day extravaganza that saw those at the Recruits Training Depot at Imbizo Barracks square off against each other.

Those who emerged tops walked away with varying monetary prizes, shields and medals. The eight teams competed in disciplines that included football, boxing, netball, basketball, tug of war, volleyball, athletics, boxing log race, drill competitions and basic fitness tests.

Brigadier-General (Training), Brigadier-General Effias Mahachi told participants and guests during the closing address of the sports gala prize giving ceremony that sports had been incorporated into the training as sports play an important role in the military to keep the mind and body healthy, adding the ZNA Commander (Lieutenant-General Edzai Absalom Chanyuka Chimonyo) had declared every Wednesday a sports day for every member of the army.

“Sports inculcates attributes such as courage, endurance, discipline, spirit of competitiveness, aggression and team work among us, attributes expected in every soldier. The nearly week-long sports competition was designed to create a relaxed environment. I have been told that the standard of play and sportsmanship displayed was quite high and I have no doubt the aim of the competitions which was to enhance your physical and mental stamina was achieved to a great extent,” he said.

Foxtrot company emerged the overall winner at the sports gala as they walked away with the top honours in basketball, march and shoot, log race, assault course, drill competitions and basic fitness test.

Charlie were the first runners-up having collected gold in soccer and silver in basic fitness test and assault course while Delta emerged tops in boxing, netball and volleyball and were second runners-up.

RTD Commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel Munyaradzi Marimbindi paid tribute to sponsors that came on board and supported the event through donating monetary prizes, shields, medals and t-shirts.

“Sport is critical as it teaches one how to play by the rules, how to win and how to handle losses. Sport has become an important part of the training programme and is held in a relaxed environment to allow interaction in a relaxed setting,” he said.

Companies that contributed towards the hosting of the gala include Willsgrove, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Moonlight Funeral Services, Vineyard, Zimnat and SPG Financial Holdings among others.