Debra Matabvu
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has lauded the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5’s role in identifying and nurturing young talent, saying sport is a powerful tool for accelerating economic development and promoting social well-being, particularly by shielding young people from drug and substance abuse.
In a speech at the 7th edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) organised by the AUSC and held in Harare last night, which was read on his behalf by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, President Mnangagwa said the Government recognised sport as a driver of economic and social good.
“We must recognise that sport is a catalyst for economic growth,” he said.
“Research reveals that the global sports events market can generate nearly US$80 billion in revenue annually.
“Here at home, sport is being transformed into a viable, productive and not merely consumptive sector.
“From ticket sales and matchday visitors to long-term investments, the impact of sports is meant to go well beyond filling up stadiums, but to change lives and bring hope to millions of young people through value addition and beneficiation of the sports industry offerings.”
President Mnangagwa urged the corporate world, Government stakeholders and communities to continue supporting and investing in the sporting sector.
“In Zimbabwe, we have adopted the development philosophy that a country is built by its people,” he said.
“By investing in sports, we are very intentional and deliberate that we are investing in our youth and in our future.”
Through sport, the President said, society can help protect young people from social ills.
“My Government recognises the importance of actively engaging our youths, particularly through sport and recreation, for them to refrain from social ills such as drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Society, therefore, has a moral obligation to create a conducive environment for nurturing our youth, moulding them into responsible citizens.
“As Government, my administration has made sport a priority and has increased investment in sport, recreation, and us as key economic drivers meant to stimulate transformation of Zimbabwe into a prosperous and upper middle-income economy by 2030.”
He said Zimbabwe’s visibility on regional and international platforms had been greatly enhanced by the hosting of yesterday’s awards.
The awards, he added, served as a beacon of inspiration to young athletes across the region who dreamt of making their mark on the global stage.
The event paid special tribute to Zimbabwean Olympic legend Dr Kirsty Coventry, whom President Mnangagwa described as a trailblazer in global sport leadership.
Dr Coventry was recently elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The President said: “This event is made even more special as we honour our very own living legend, Dr Kirsty Coventry, the seven-time Olympic gold medallist, the youngest ever IOC president, first ever female IOC president, and first ever African to lead the International Olympic Committee.
“Indeed, the legendary Dr Coventry has broken glass ceilings and deserves a special place in the annals of history.”
The President said sport was a powerful tool for promoting social harmony and peace.
“Sport is more than competition,” he said.
“It is a powerful vehicle for promoting peace, economic empowerment and social transformation.
“Our young men and women continue to demonstrate exceptional talent, resilience and discipline throughout the Southern African region.
“Through these awards, we salute their hard work, which inspires future generations to dream beyond limits.”
He also praised AUSC Region 5’s role in identifying and nurturing young talent, citing success stories such as Zambia’s Patson Daka, Botswana’s Nigel Amos and Zimbabwe’s Donata Katai.
The awards ceremony, hosted by AUSC Region 5 under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation”, drew participants from across Southern Africa and honoured 44 outstanding athletes.
“As Zimbabwe hosts this prestigious event, we reaffirm our commitment to invest in sport as a strategic pillar for national development and continental cooperation,” said President Mnangagwa.
“I call upon all member states, private sector partners and regional institutions to continue supporting initiatives that promote talent development, infrastructure enhancement and inclusivity in sport.
“I, therefore, urge all of us to feel inspired, determined and filled with the spirit of positivity to selflessly commit to building our sporting ecosystem and architecture.
“Beyond these accolades, it is gratifying to note that the work of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 aligns meaningfully with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“This blueprint is designed to shape a continent where inclusivity, gender equality and youth empowerment are not aspirational ideals, but lived realities through the universal language of sport.”
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