Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
EFFORTS to promote grassroots sports development are gaining momentum across the country, with the inaugural Emily Jesaya Sports Tournament held at Juru Growth Point in Goromonzi drawing more than 1 500 participants.
Exhibition matches and demonstrations in other sporting disciplines, including boxing, korfball and electronic gaming, captivated spectators, signalling the potential expansion of the tournament in future editions.
For many young athletes, the event was about more than just competition, as Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs closely monitored proceedings in search of emerging talent.
“Tournaments like these help keep us away from drug abuse. We have also been introduced to a new sport called korfball, which will go a long way in ensuring the growth of the sports industry,” said one participant.
Another athlete added, “I am happy that this tournament has opened up opportunities for us to play for bigger teams and nurture our talent.”
A netball player from Juru Queens Netball Club highlighted the developmental impact of the event, saying, “This tournament is critical in nurturing young talent. It provides a good opportunity to develop our sporting skills.”
Government officials underscored the importance of the tournament in nurturing talent, promoting healthy lifestyles and combating drug and substance abuse among youths.
Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training, Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, said: “This initiative is important as sport is a unifier. It is also an industry that can benefit the youth, while playing a key role in the fight against drug and substance abuse and promoting youth empowerment.”
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Angeline Gata, added: “We are pleased that this initiative complements efforts to nurture talent at the school level. It also provides a platform for premier teams to scout for players. This is vital in strengthening sport, as it is where talent is built, resilience is developed, and teamwork is nurtured.”
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Timios Kwidini, said: “We are aligned with the Government’s approach to promote sport while reducing drug and substance abuse. PSL teams, including CAPS United, Scotland, Highlanders and ZPC Kariba, are here scouting for talent.”
Tournament organiser and Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Emily Jesaya, expressed optimism about the tournament’s future growth.
“This tournament was organised with a focus on Goromonzi District, but we hope it will expand to Mashonaland East Province and eventually to the national level. This year, we featured three sporting codes: women’s football, men’s football and netball, while other disciplines were showcased for possible inclusion next year,” she said.
The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board showcased amateur boxing, while the Korfball Association introduced the sport to the community. The Zimbabwe Electronic Games Association also exhibited electronic gaming, which is now recognised as a sport in the country.
In addition to sporting activities, the tournament incorporated life skills programmes. Youths participated in Nhanga-Gota sessions in the evenings, while the National AIDS Council provided education on menstrual health as well as HIV and AIDS awareness. Discovery Ambulances also conducted first aid training.
In the competitions, Juru Queens won the netball title, Purple Petch Queens clinched the women’s football trophy, and Mutamba FC emerged champions in the men’s football category.
Ministers Tino Machakaire and Advocate Itayi Ndudzo were among the dignitaries who attended the event, alongside thousands of spectators.
