Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Ellina Mhlanga and Roy Matiki
29 June 2009
Harare — MORE than 500 athletes took part in Olympic Day celebrations at High Glen shopping centre in the capital.
The event was organised by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and participants took part in athletics, netball, soccer, Olympic wrestling and basketball.
In athletics, Kelvin Pangiso won the 10km open race in 31 minutes and 16 seconds, 11 seconds ahead of second-placed Dzingai Dandaro while Jonathan Chinyoka came third in 31:46.
In the female category, Olivia Chitate was the first to cross the finishing line in 22:36:54 with Muchaneta Gwata coming second in 38:11 while Sharon Chinokuya was third in 38:47s.
In the boys' (secondary) category, Shonhiwa Nyamande of Tynalwd was first (36:49s), followed by Taurai Nyandoro of Mufakose 2 High School (39:35s) while Blessmore Chidiwa of Seke High Two was third in 39:39.
In the girls' category, Evermore Chirere of Rakodzi High in Marondera was first (40:15) followed by Juliet Nyamande of Dzivaresekwa High 2 (42:36) and Faith Chasi of Mufakose 2 High (45:15).
In the boys' (primary) category, Wilbert Mufetu of Mhofu romped home in 16:00, 17 seconds ahead of second-placed Lawrence Savanhu of Budiriro 5 and Kudakwashe Makanzi of Mukurumbira (16:22).
Dorcas Kagamuwa of Mhofu Primary was first in the girls' category (20:36s) followed by Tarisai Majonga of Budiriro 3 (20:54s) and in third place was Wendy Chakawa of Budiriro 3 (21:21).
Meanwhile, ZOC chief executive Robert Mutsauki called upon stakeholders to fully participate in Olympic Day celebrations, which now involve other sporting disciplines.
"The concept of the event has changed, meaning that we have more activities unlike in the past where some saw it as an athletics event. In terms of sport development we have introduced other sporting disciplines.
"We are working with the Sport and Recreation Commission to have events in other provinces so that we reach out to all stakeholders and the public.
"This is like an awareness programme and through this event we will be able to spread the message and the community can learn and participate in the games," he said.
Although this year's concept has changed with more sporting disciplines having been introduced, the number of participants has gone down compared to last year.
"Last year we had more numbers taking part in the event compared to this year. This event is for bringing the sports community together, it's about participation and not competition.
"We would have wanted to see more people participate in this event," Mutsauki said.
SRC director general Charles Nhemachena said they would host Olympic Day celebrations in other provinces.
"Actually, we are going to be hosting events such as this one in other provinces.
"In future we would want to have the national associations having their own tents at the event so that those who are interested in their sporting disciplines can learn more from them," said Nhemachena.
Netball Results:
Glen View 2 High 14, Kambuzuma 8; Glen View Community 14, Budiriro Community 5.
Soccer Results:
Power Five 6, Highfield Galaxy 6; Kambuzuma 3, Inter Mbare 7.
Basketball Results:
Boys: All-Stars 34, Glen View 6; All-Stars 34, Kambuzuma 6.
Senior Male: All-Stars 17, Mablazo 15.
Mixed: Glen View 24, Budiriro 10.
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