Story by Tichaona Kurewa
BOXING is being taken to various parts of the country with a new boxing facility under construction in the resort city of Victoria Falls.
Sporting activities such as boxing were in the past largely concentrated in major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo but this is set to change with the sport growing in popularity.
In line with the government’s devolution mantra, the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy is constructing a US$500 000 permanent home in Chinotimba high-density suburb in a move expected to generate more interest in the sport.
Victoria Falls Boxing Academy Director Mr Tobias Mupfuti said, ‘‘We want the Victoria Falls community to benefit from the sport of boxing. We want more kids to come on board and benefit apart from just going to school. The sport must be brought to all areas around the country so that whoever is interested must get the opportunity. We started construction towards the end of last year and the first phase should be complete by the end of this month.’’
The project has also been met with excitement in the local community where the young and enthusiastic have been given an opportunity to showcase their talent.
A worker noted, ‘We are grateful as a community we are now employed here.’’
Another said, ‘‘Our lives have changed. We are now employed and able to take good care of our families.’’
The new arena consists of a gym, private session, hall, offices, VIP arena and an orphanage.
The establishment of these facilities 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.
