By Richard Gandari
The City of Harare in partnership with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture yesterday hosted Harare’s Provincial Women in Sport Festival at Stodart Hall in Mbare.
In her welcome remarks, Head Education and Social Services Mrs Lizzy Muchena, reaffirmed the City’s commitment to promote community wellness through sport.
“We provide sporting facilities for community development as sport is a key driver in addressing social ills such as early marriages, drug and substance abuse,” Mrs Muchena said.
She encouraged girls and women of all ages to take up different sports for wellness and recreation.
The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare Metropolitan Province, Mrs C. Kampila.
In her keynote address, Mrs Kampila urged women to rise above domestic roles and explore careers in sports for health and economic emancipation.
She hailed the City of Harare for promoting community wellness and women’s personal safety through provision of social amenities.
Held under the theme, “Give support, gain champions” the festival recognises the power of sports in building wellness and confidence particularly for women and girls.
The festival commenced with competitive games featuring 14 Netball teams and 7 volleyball teams.
Traditional games like tsoro, bhangi, nhodo, and pada were also played by women.
Winners across all sporting disciples were awarded various prizes by the Guest of Honour.
Social Services Kambuzuma Martial Arts and Southlands Acrobatics Teams provided energetic opening acts.
City of Harare, Sports and Recreation Commission officials joined scores of community members who thronged Mbare’s most popular social hub.
Women who attended the event also gained access to free cancer screening and family planning services provided by Harare City Health.