Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) is in Bulawayo where it is hosting an Athletes Forum aimed at empowering sportsmen and women through education, representation and integrity.
The event, which is being held on Tuesday, has attracted athletes’ representatives from a number of sporting disciplines, with female participants forming the majority of attendees.
This year’s forum is being held under the theme: “Empowering Athletes Through Representation and Integrity.”
Participants are engaging in discussions on a wide range of issues affecting athletes, including the role, responsibilities and mandate of Athletes Commissions, understanding contracts and anti-doping regulations.
The Bulawayo meeting forms part of a nationwide programme by ZOC to engage athletes across the country’s provinces through similar forums designed to strengthen athlete welfare and participation in sports governance.
Among the key issues being addressed is the challenge of doping, which continues to threaten sporting careers and tarnish the image of athletes and sporting codes.
Drug and substance abuse were also highlighted as major challenges affecting sportspeople, often resulting in the premature end of promising careers.
Athletes were further encouraged to improve their understanding of contracts and professional obligations amid concerns that some have previously been exploited by clubs, agents and other stakeholders due to a lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.
Organisers expressed optimism that improved literacy in areas such as athlete representation, contractual agreements and anti-doping regulations would help athletes make informed decisions and better safeguard their careers.
ZOC official Newman Gomendo addressed participants on anti-doping matters, educating athletes on prohibited substances, testing procedures and the importance of maintaining integrity in sport.
