Published by the government of Zimbabwe
30 August 2008
Harare — PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday honoured members of Team Zimbabwe 2008 -- the country's Beijing Olympics squad -- for their commendable performance at the Games that ended last week.
With four medals, the 13-member Zimbabwe team was the fourth best on the continent after Kenya, Ethiopia and Egypt.
The four medals, one gold and three silver -- were won by swimming icon Kirsty Coventry.
During a brief ceremony at the official opening of the Harare Agricultural Show, President Mugabe handed over US$100 000 to Coventry, US$10 000 each to Brian Dzingai, Michael Fokorani and Ngoni Makusha while the rest of the team received US$2 000 each.
Other members of the team honoured yesterday were Heather Brand, Lewis Banda, Talkmore Nyongani, Tabitha Tsatsa, Cuthbert Nyasango, Tendayi Tagara, Chris Felgate, Antipas Kwari and Cara Black.
The team's support staff was made up of Brett Stevens, Elana Hill, Kerry Mackie, Dr Munhamo Chipandu, Gillian Mudzengi, Gareth Ziyambi, Lovemore Banda, Kim Brackin, Kathy Lobb and Wayne Davidson,
President Mugabe hailed Team Zimbabwe, saying although it was smaller than other African contingents, its performance was a source of joy and pleasure to the nation.
"Although you were a small team, you brought us victory, not defeat. This is a victory coming to a country undergoing difficulties because of sanctions," he said.
President Mugabe said Zimbabwe was a peaceful country and Government would continue to work for the development of the country.
"We would want to remain peaceful, we mean no harm to anyone, even our neighbours and there is no reason why other countries would want to destabilise our country.
"Zimbabweans must, however, exude the joy and pleasure of the great performance by our athletes who participated in the Olympic Games," he said.
Describing Coventry as the "daughter of Zimbabwe", President Mugabe said the nation wished her well, adding that although the other team members did not win any medals, they should try harder at the next Games.
He urged the sporting fraternity to strive for the development of sport in the country.
"Kirsty is our golden girl and we should look after her. We would like to urge other members of the team to work harder and with greater practice, more practice, we will get more medals in the future Games," he said.
Earlier in the day, President Mugabe toured a number of stands at the show, including the agricultural produce and home industries hall for small-scale farmers and small-to-medium enterprises.
He also presented trophies to various exhibitors who excelled during the annual showcase.
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Prem, Kirsty knows that she swims for her country, Zimbabwe. She has been consistant in her support of Zimbabweans, not necessarily Mugabe. I know you want to inject politics in everything Zimbabwean.
Prem, you real have not lived in Zimbabwe and your view is skewed. Zimbabwe is still one of the most Friendliest country in SADC. The people who introduced racism are mostly anglo whites. Despite the big talk, most whites, indians, Arabs, walk freely in Zimbabwe.
Yes, land involved white minorities, who once owned everything and that had to be addressed. Liberal whites like yourself are sometimes more dangerous… [Read Full Text]
Well said, Phiri. Not only are whites still major land controllers and owners in Zimbabwe, they're also still major business owners. I do wish people would stop try to present their ill-informed rubbish as truth and facts.
Also, not only is Zim one of the frendliest countries in SADC it is also, by far and despite everything, one of the safest and most peaceful countries in all of Africa and, by extention, all of the the developing world the world over.
My Dea Phiri, the land issue can only be solved by having recourse to international standards. All concerned parties will have to go through a high-powered commission to negotiate for a fair compensation. By all parties, I mean those who claim land was robbed away from them, those who claim they bought their land, those who claim land was given to them by the state for development purposes, communities dispossessed of large tracts of land, recent farmers whose farms were taken away, etc. It will be a slow process, yet it is he only way the international institutions would be… [Read Full Text]
Even though Kirsty did a marvelous performance at the Olympics, I do no not think it is right for Mugabe to have given her such a large sum of money especially at a time when there are so many needs in your country. A much less amount as a token of gratitude and appreciation would have sufficed. What does Mugabe care anyway, it is not HIS money. He is free to spurge as he wishes as always.
Krjs120, Kirsty deserves every US$ given to her. She is perhaps the greatest Zimbabwean Ambassodor to the world. The way she has carried herself, especially in a country ruled by Mugabe, she deserves all the credit. Can you imagine the traps and lures the USA or UK have set up for her to become their citizens? Most Zimbabweans given the chance to change citizenship, would switch. My heart goes out to her!
I have represented Zimbabwe informal at different places around the world, and the stare I get and the questions (Prem type) I get when I say I'm from… [Read Full Text]
My Dear Phiri,
How much would you have loved to torture me had you had the illegitimate grip on your Army, like monster Mugabe, to do the dirty work ?
You representing Zimbabwe in informal gatherings abroad? I have been in the company of many Zimbabweans in meetings outside Zimbabwe. NONE of them talked good of the murderer Mugabe.
YOU must be the only one! No doubt you are able to secure your passage out of the country each time you travel with the blessing of the CIO agents posted at the airport! Why can't you disclose how much Bush… [Read Full Text]
Phiri, you are just an ignorant pompous twit.
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Mugabe, the anti-white??
Surely, Mugabe fans are feeling upset! How dare Mugabe treat Coventry as a daughter of Zimbabwe?
Or is it a new beginning for Mugabe fans to adjust to reality? Should colour alone drive our youngsters to determine their relations with others? May Coventry help to break the prejudices!