Story by Tichaona Kurewa
TENNIS is being taken to various parts of the country, with an inaugural annual Matabeleland North provincial tennis tournament being launched in Victoria Falls this Saturday.
Sporting activities such as tennis were in the past largely concentrated in major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, but the script is set to change, with the sport growing in popularity.
In line with government’s devolution mantra, Harris Auto has partnered with Matabeleland North Tennis Board to launch an annual tournament in the province in a move expected to generate more interest in the sport as confirmed by participants.
“Sure, this tournament will help us to stay healthy and disciplines people. It gives us an opportunity to exercise and learn new trends in the game of tennis,” said a tennis player.
Another tennis player said, “This gives young women an opportunity to compete with man and ensure that the sport can be enjoyed by anyone. It is good for the game in the province. Initially tennis was viewed as a game for the elite but this will bring the game closer to the people eventually popularising the sport,”
The future of the sport is bright in the province as explained by Harris Auto Managing Director, Mr Brad Harris.
“We thought of a way of ploughing back into the community and decided to sponsor this tournament. Next year we will be expanding into Matabeleland North hence we have more plans in the province and this is one such.”
“The future of this sport in the province is bright, the talent is here, the enthusiasm is here. Our only plea is the government and other partners to assist in constructing more sports facilities to match the need in the province,” noted Matabeleland North Tennis Board Chairperson, Mr Warren Ncube.
The launch of the tournament is in line with the National Development Strategy One which targets to increase participation in sport and recreation activities from 15% in 2020 to 27% by 2025.
