Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWEAN athletes Kudakwashe Chigwedere and Tinotenda Bango who are set to represent the country at the 2024 Paralympic Games have praised government for supporting their cause ahead of the start of games.
The 2024 Paralympic Games will run from the 28th of August to the 8th of September in Paris, France.
Zimbabwe will be represented by two athletes Kudakwashe Chigwedere and Tinotenda Bango who will both compete in the 100m events.
The Sprinters have been in camp for the past month as they prepare for the world’s biggest Para Games.
The duo has expressed gratitude to the government for supporting their cause.
“We are very grateful for the support from the government we have been in camp for the past month it’s very much pleasing,” said Chigwedere.
“I am very much ready for the Games we have been given all the support we can and have trained so much and we are ready for the Games,” said Bango.
The team set to depart for Paris this Friday, was seen off by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Honourable Kirsty Coventry, an Olympian in her own right.
“These are the biggest games in the world, go and enjoy and represent your country to the fullest. Remember we are always here to support you and Zimbabwe will rally behind you. We have learnt from the Olympics and we improve every time we go for games. We have tried to give you all the best support possible from medical, administration and technical,” she said.
The team is under the tutelage of Elliott Mujaji, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist.
“There is so much pressure at the Games but I have tried to give them all the best preparations possible and the key is to be calm and focus on the finish line not look for the stands,” he said.
Masimba Mutemaringa is the Chef de Mission, Dr. Robert Musara is the team’s medical officer and Rufaro Ringisai is the team’s welfare officer.
Zimbabwe has 17 Paralympic medals, two gold, nine silver and six bronze in their Paralympic Games history.
