Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ATHLETES with intellectual disabilities are stepping up preparations for the Special Olympics Zimbabwe National Games, scheduled to take place at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo from April 26 to 28, with training sessions already underway in Harare.
Every Monday, these athletes come together to train not just for medals, but for recognition, dignity, and the opportunity to demonstrate that talent knows no boundaries. Their dedication highlights the spirit of the Special Olympics and the power of determination.
For these athletes, each sprint, throw and pass carries a story of resilience.
The National Games will also serve as a selection platform for athletes to compete at the Region Five Youth Games in Maputo.
Beyond Maputo, the journey stretches even further towards the Special Olympics World Games set for Santiago, Chile, next year, the largest inclusive sporting event where athletes with intellectual disabilities compete on the global stage.
Among those shaping the movement is Nyasha Derera, a young man whose journey began on the dusty streets of Mufakose but has since taken him to international platforms where he speaks on behalf of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the world.
Now serving as the Coordinator for Athlete Leadership and Youth Engagement in Africa, Derera says sport has transformed his life and given him a voice.
“Sport has completely changed my life. I started as an athlete from Mufakose, and today I am able to speak for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the world. Special Olympics gives us confidence, leadership, and the opportunity to be included in society. I want people to understand that these athletes have talent and potential, and with support, they can achieve great things. Children with intellectual disability need to be supported and given an opportunity to shine, here it is not all about sport but mixing and mingling, sharing ideas, training of life skills as well as leadership,” Derera said.
National sporting bodies have stepped forward to provide qualified coaches across several disciplines, while the government has allowed the athletes to train at various facilities free of charge.
“We are grateful for the support we are receiving from different national sports associations who have provided qualified coaches in disciplines such as football, athletics, tennis, basketball and golf. Government has also supported us by allowing the athletes to use training facilities for free. This support is helping us prepare well for the national games and future international competitions,” Sports Director Special Olympics Zimbabwe Owen Makaluwa said.
But while the passion is strong, resources remain limited, parents say they often dig deep into their own pockets to ensure their children attend training camps and competitions, calling on the corporate world to partner with the athletes on their journey.
“As parents, we are proud of what our children are achieving through sport. Sometimes we use our own resources to support them with transport, equipment and participation in competitions. We appeal to companies and other partners to come on board and support these athletes so they can reach their full potential,” a parent, Ethel Tsomondo, said.
These children have shown that they are capable of competing and winning medals for the country. With more support, they can go even further. We hope the corporate world and the community will help ensure that these athletes continue to participate and represent Zimbabwe with pride,” another parent, Raphael Mavhunga said.
Their plea echoes the national call for inclusivity, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
The potential of these athletes is already shining through.
Promising athlete Spelorge Kachembere recently won the 1500 metres race at the NASH Under-20 competitions and will represent Harare at the upcoming Junior National Championships.
He also secured medals at the 2024 Region Five Youth Games, which marked the first time the regional competition embraced full inclusion.
Zimbabwean athletes have already demonstrated their ability on the global stage.
At the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, a 12-member Zimbabwean team returned home with eight medals, two gold, two silver and four bronze, a testament to what determination and opportunity can achieve.
As preparations intensify for Masvingo, the athletes continue to train with quiet determination, chasing dreams that stretch far beyond the finish line.
The athletes prove that sport is not only about competition, but about belonging.
