MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo- The city of Masvingo is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the thrilling Safe Sport Summer Festival on November 8 at Mucheke Stadium.
The event, organized by the Zimbabwe Olympics Association, aims to promote inclusion and provide a valuable learning experience for young athletes.
The Safe Sport Summer Festival is an annual event that was initiated by the NIF (Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport) partners during the Safe Sport Training Workshop in Zambia in 2017.
Since its inception, the festival has been promoting safe and inclusive sports across Zimbabwe, with previous editions held in Harare, Bulawayo, and Kwekwe.
The Mid-week Watch is reliable informed that the 2024 event will take place in Masvingo.
The Zimbabwe Olympics Committee has partnered with several organizations for this event, including the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH), National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), ZIPESTA, Zimbabwe National Paralympic Commission, SRC, Zimbabwe Volleyball Association, and Judo Association of Zimbabwe.
According to Masvingo Province Sports Director Fredrick Matavikwa, the sports age group for primary schools is U13, starting from grade 5, while for secondary schools, it is U15, involving form 1 and 2 students.
The sports codes to be featured include Netball, Boys’ Football, Girls’ Football, Tennis, and Volleyball.
A successful administrative meeting was held yesterday, attended by sports directors from participating primary and secondary schools.
Matavikwa emphasized the importance of schools establishing “sports clubs to foster growth within the education sector”.
He said “Train the Trainers” workshop on November 7, which will align with the principles of OVEP (Olympic Values Education Program) and equip local coaches and administrators with the skills and knowledge to promote safe and inclusive sports in their communities, ensuring the festival’s impact continues long after the event.
Meanwhile, Provincial Coordinator for SRC, Mayibongwe Anele Sibanda, stressed the need for collaboration, highlighting the recreational nature of the program and its importance in the province.
