ZRP race lights up Vic Falls

A TOTAL of 309 runners comprising policemen and women as well as civilians took part in the 16th edition of the annual Commissioner General of Police race which lit up the resort city of Victoria Falls, in Matabeleland North.

The event comprising 5km, 10km and 21km races, was held recently at Baobab Primary School during which Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga said sport should be used as a tool to enhance peace for national development.

The event, which ran under the theme: “Sports tourism for all” was part of efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to promote sports tourism.

Comm-Gen Matanga said holding the event in the resort city of Victoria Falls which is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and at Baobab Primary School, was not a coincidence.
Two participants were from Kenya.

“Today we witnessed about 309 men and women battling it out in the 5km, 10km and 21km races in this beautiful city. I have personally become an urban tourist of these marathon events which are not only breath-taking but entertaining,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.

“The event comes with it life-changing experiences of sports, pleasure, laughter, undying recollections, strengthening mental and physical health, boosting self-esteem and above all builds lasting relationships.”

Comm-Gen Matanga said sport plays a critical role in terms of nation-building.
“It is a key factor for nation-building as it brings together people from all walks of life and creates long-lasting partnerships for these athletes. It also creates room for police officers and members of the public to interact,” he said.

Comm-Gen Matanga slammed acts of violence and hooliganism in sports and acknowledged the high level of competitive participation from athletes.

“Let’s use sports to preach the gospel of peace for national development. As police we stand ever ready in providing our clients both law-abiding and criminals full measure of services,” he said.

The event is the 4th since the police decentralised the annual competitions in 2021 with Bulawayo, Manicaland and Masvingo having hosted the race. Next year, the Midlands will host the event.
Former Olympian Abel Chimukoko who is ZRP sports director said sport was medicine for wellness.
Winners were given prize money and medals.