Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Government has upscaled its fight against drug and substance abuse among the youths with a sports tournament featuring legislators drawn from across the country having been held in Gwanda this Saturday.
Acting Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Sports Club, Senator Angelina Tongogara called on the youths to take heed of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call to shun drugs and any harmful substance used in the name of sport.
“What is important to us is our health, we have come to you to participate in these sports because, it is critical for a healthy nation. We know our mandate is to represent people but for you to do that you need to be healthy and the same goes to our youths lets desist from abusing drugs,” she said.
The local leadership is convinced that the sports event is critical in the fight against the scourge as it brings youths from diverse backgrounds.
“We are grateful for the effort by the legislators who saw it fit to come hear to conscientize our future leaders so that they stop abusing drugs, as Gwanda Municipality we will upscale this fight. I would like to challenge the legislators to come up with a law specially for drugs,” said Municipality of Gwanda Mayor, Councillor Thulani Moyo.
“Sport is indeed a powerful tool for shaping the future and it needs to be taken seriously. I am saddened by the prevailing situation of drug and substance abuse which is not only affecting the youths but adults .many with promising future have unfortunately fallen victims to this scourge,” noted Director Finance, Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edward Mandeya.
Dubbed the Gwanda-Tshitaudze annual sports tournament , the event saw football teams which included ZIFA division two outfits; Supersport United and Superstrikers battling it out before a parliament select team locked horns with Gwanda Social League Select team.
Legislators were also involved in other sporting disciplines like pool, netball and volleyball.
