Masvingo – The city of Masvingo is alive with excitement and purpose as it plays host to the 11th Edition of the ZimCare Trust National Sports Awareness Games, which kicked off on 21 July and will run until 25 July 2025. The games are being held under the inspiring theme, “Accelerating Visibility of the Intellectually Challenged Through Sport.”
Today, our news crew visited Ratidzo ZimCare Trust School, the proud host of this year’s games. The school grounds were buzzing with energy and joy as learners from various special needs institutions across Zimbabwe engaged in five-a-side ball games, including soccer, netball, and rugby.
Participating schools included Batsirai, Chengetai, Home Field, Mudavanhu, Ratidzo, Rubatsiro, Ruvimbo, St. Catherines, and Sir Humphrey Gibbs, among others. The games, which bring together 14 special schools from all corners of Zimbabwe, are monitored and supported by Special Olympics Zimbabwe (SOZ), an organisation that champions sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
Speaking to our crew, Mr. John Muringani, the Acting National Director of Special Olympics Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of these games in promoting inclusivity.
“Disability does not mean inability,” he said passionately. “We are proud that some of our athletes recently represented Zimbabwe in Namibia and returned with 5 gold medals, 2 bronze, and 1 silver. Others competed in China last week and brought home 2 golds and a bronze. This is the power of inclusive sport.”
Mrs. Bernadette Chihava, Head of Ratidzo ZimCare Trust School, expressed her joy in hosting the annual event.
“Everything is under control and we are proud to follow His Excellency’s mantra of leaving no one behind. This tournament is a true reflection of unity, diversity, and national pride.”
Also in attendance was Mr. Purazeni Jakata, Regional Representative of NASCOH (National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped). He applauded the initiative, noting its alignment with President Mnangagwa’s vision.
“We are proud to see real-life success stories like Hon. Kirsty Coventry, former Sports Minister and international swimming champion, who started her journey through programs like this. She is proof that no dream is too big.”
The ZimCare Trust National Sports Awareness Games continue to shine as a beacon of hope, talent, and inclusion, reminding the nation that with support and opportunity, every child can thrive.
Edited by Godfrey Gusha
