Harare – President Emerson Mnangagwa on Thursday hailed the Zimbabwe Special Olympics team for raising the country’s flag high and returning home with medals.
The Special Olympics team participated at the Berlin World summer games in Germany in June this year.
Twelve athletes represented the country and won eight medals comprising two gold, two silver and four bronze, which are for people with intellectual disabilities.
Speaking at a function to honour the athletes which was held at State House, President Mnangagwa said it was encouraging to note that more children, including those with intellectual disabilities, were taking part in sporting activities.
“This will instil self-confidence and higher levels of discipline among our people as well as reduce cases of substance and drug abuse,” he said.
“I remember you also did well during the Abu Dhabi 2019 summer games. Well done, our country is very proud of you.”
He said the Second Republic will continue to support, safeguard and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, including the intellectually challenged.
The principle of inclusion is outlined in the National Development Strategy where no one and no place would be left behind, he explained.
“Additionally, national policies and programmes in our education sector continue to prioritize the provision of a conducive learning environment, special classes and health facilities to cater for disabled learners.
“To complement these efforts and ensure a holistic development, sport, arts, culture and recreation must be widened within schools,” President Mnangagwa said.
More tailor-made sport, recreation, arts and culture programmes should be implemented throughout the country taking advantage of existing structures at the community level, he said.
President Mnangagwa appealed to the private sector and other stakeholders to partner with special Olympics Zimbabwe in their quest to maintain the excellent podium performance on the national, regional and global stage.
“I look forward to bigger team and more medals coming from Team Zimbabwe Special Olympics at the next Special Olympics games which will be held in Sydney, Australia in 2027.
“I challenge the Sports and Recreation Commission as well as the Special Olympics board to start working now towards the next games. I assure you of my government’s support in this regard,” he said.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry said the athletes have been good sports ambassadors for the country and have inspired many aspiring athletes.
As a token of Appreciation for their efforts, President Mnangagwa gave USD5000 to gold medallists, USD3700 to silver medallists, USD 2500 to bronze medallists and also to the coaching staff.
Source New Ziana
