SYDNEY MUBAIWA
SPORT REPORTER
MWENEZI- Mwenezi High was on Thursday last week crowned champions after outclassing 12 other schools in the inaugural edition of the Government Schools Association athletics competitions.
The sporting extravaganza which was held at Mwenezi High attracted thirteen Government secondary schools from Masvingo Province with the host emerging as the overall winner with 27 gold medals, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals.
Ngundu came second with 25 gold medals, 12 silver and 12 bronze.
Academic powerhouse, Ndarama High School came third after harvesting 7 gold medals, 10 silver and 5 bronze medals.
Other Government Secondary schools which took part in the competitions are Victoria High, Malipati, Temeraire, Rudhanda, Mapanzure, Mazungunye, Chiredzi, Madamombe, Nerupiri and Mucheke High.
Government Schools Association vice secretary and the Helen Mcghie head Brian Gomba applauded the schools for their participation high level of competitiveness. He said the competitions enables learners to have exposure and create mutual friendship which will in turn shape their sporting ideas.
“These games are of paramount importance because they create mutual friendship and to share sporting ideas as well as developmental and administrative skills among all Government Schools in the province.
“The sporting activity also provide a foundation for developing essential skills and techniques and build confidence in their abilities, which is crucial when they move on to more competitive levels like the NAPH and NASH competitions,” he said.
He said the competitions allows athletes to gain a deeper understanding of the rules, strategies and nuances of the sport which is vital for success in higher- level competitions.
“The competitions also assist learners to develop good communication skills and strengthens community ties as well as encouraging young athletes. The event is also used for talent identification,” he said.
The inaugural sporting event saw Government secondary schools clashing in various athletics disciplines that include track events, chess and field events.
Audrey Jacobs from Ndarama High School was the overall winner in the Under-18 chess category while Evelyn Mpofu of Mucheke High School won the Under-16 category.
