Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Sports tourism has received a major boost after the commissioning of a US$500 000 boxing facility in the resort city of Victoria Falls this Saturday.
Sporting activities such as boxing were in the past a preserve of major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, but this is set to change with the sport spreading its wings to other parts of the country.
This comes after the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy commissioned a 500 thousand United States dollar permanent home in Chinotimba high-density suburb in a move expected to boost sports tourism and generate more interest in the sport.
A tourism player told the ZBC News, “This a positive development, which will see more people coming to Victoria Falls for sporting activities. This will certainly increase the number of visitors in the resort town.”
“Facilities like this were lacking in the country. This will make Victoria Falls more marketable as it can now attract all types of visitors including sports personalities,” another noted.
Retired Boxer Mr Stalin Mau Mau said, “Government has identified Victoria Falls as a centre of sport tourism so the setting up of this permanent facility is in line with that vision. The good thing about this facility is that it’s not rented it’s a permanent home which we can rely on forever.”
Victoria Falls Boxing Academy and its partners are excited about the prospects that lie ahead.
Academy director Mr Tobias Mupfuti stated, “We are grateful for all the support we have received from everyone for the academy to be what it is today. This will certainly see us raising awareness on the sport in this area and beyond.”
“We support this genuine cause that will see more children being accommodated and trained here at this amazing facility. Children with no home will find a home here. This amazing and we will continue to render the necessary support,” said Victoria Falls Boxing Academy Partner, Ms Kris Hall.
The new arena comprises a gym, private session, hall, offices, VIP arena and an orphanage.
It is in line with the National Development Strategy One which targets to increase participation in sport and recreation activities to 27% in 2025 from 15% in 2020.
