Story by Tamuka Charakupa
A round robin soccer and netball anti-drug abuse tournament has been held in Hurungwe, with sport being identified as critical towards fighting the scourge.
Mukuyu Secondary school in Hurungwe was full of life as it hosted the finals of the tournament courtesy of Hurungwe Central legislator.
Participants and community members hailed the initiative as a counter measure in fighting drug and substance abuse in the rural community.
“We want to thank our Member of Parliament Honourable Richard Ziki for organising this tournament which has brought together the entire community. These are platforms that promote unity and at the same time evoke the spirit of togetherness,” noted one participant.
“We lack entertainment and recreational activities in rural communities, which then becomes the main push factor towards alternatives. We believe tournaments of this nature encourage youth participation in sports, which in turn is key in fighting drug and substance abuse,” another participant added.
“We have so much hidden talents within our communities which usually go unnoticed. Going forward, we wish to play in front of scouts so that some of us can be identified and play in professional competitions.”
Hurungwe Central legislator Honourable Ziki said plans are in motion to establish inter-constituency tournaments to cascade awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
“Often at times, rural folks are forgotten when the issue of drug and substance abuse is brought up. It is viewed as a vice that only affects urban communities, but the reality is that every corner has been mulled by this dangerous wave.
“We have realised that our young people lack adequate entertainment activities therefore sport is one which brings people together.
“In so doing, we are taking these platforms to address huge gatherings, together as stakeholders, on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
“I am in talks with my colleagues, fellow MPs to have inter-constituencies tournaments so that we kill two birds with one stone,” he said.
The government has since adopted a whole of society approach in fighting the scourge of drug and substance abuse following the declaration of the vice as a state of national disaster and security threat.
