FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis Association continued its impressive run at the Danhiko Annual Paralympic Games after being crowned national champions in the senior category at this year’s competition held at Danhiko Industrial Training College in Harare last week.
The Masvingo team secured first position in the senior category while its junior side finished second overall at the national competition.
The association also produced two individual award winners, with Margaret Makanhiwa receiving the Outstanding Player Award in the Senior Women category, while Ropafadzo Gwengwe was named Outstanding Player in the Junior category.
Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis Association chairperson Moses Chitombo said the latest achievement demonstrated the team’s consistency and determination.
“We feel happy as Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis for winning this. Almost eight years in a row. This shows that we are still strong,” Chitombo said.
Chitombo said the association’s continued success was a result of the commitment shown by its athletes and support from various stakeholders.
“Since we joined the competition, we have been winning. This achievement shows that our players are still competitive and committed to the sport,” he said.
The association has participated in the Danhiko competition since 2013, although the event was not held in 2018 and from 2019 to 2022 before resuming in 2023.
The competition brought together wheelchair tennis players from Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre, Danhiko School, Ball Blasters Tennis Club and Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis Association.
Chitombo applauded the support the association continues to receive from the Masvingo City Council, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira and the business community.
“We would like to thank Masvingo City Council, the Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira and the business community for supporting us. Their assistance has helped us to continue participating and competing at national level,” Chitombo said.
He said the association remained committed to developing wheelchair tennis and giving athletes with disabilities opportunities to showcase their talent.
“We want to continue working hard and developing our players so that they can represent Masvingo well at national competitions,” he said.
