Story by Anashe Murombedzi
HARARE’s iconic Prince Edward School is abuzz with excitement as it plays host to the prestigious National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) athletics nationals, which kicked off this Wednesday.
Over 1 000 young athletes from the country’s 10 provinces descended on the track, driven by dreams of glory and a chance to qualify for the Confederation of Schools Sport Association for Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games.
NASH National Head in charge, Ropafadzo Norman Matemavi, said the event has attracted an overwhelming response from schools across the country.
“We are oversubscribed, with almost all schools in the country participating. The turnout is very good. This competition is key in selecting athletes who will represent the country at the COSSASA Games later this year.”
It is not just about the athletes, as the terraces have been buzzing with cheerleaders, adding colour and vibrancy to the competitive atmosphere.
The young stars are chasing history, with a place in the Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic races, within reach.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Angeline Gata highlighted the importance of sport in education, describing it as a critical pillar in developing well-rounded learners.
“Sport is a very important aspect of the school curriculum. We do not take it as a side activity because it contributes significantly to education by equipping learners with skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership.”
The battle for supremacy continues, with the final showdown set for Thursday.
