Special Olympics Zimbabwe Athletes Honored
The President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, pledged his support to Zimbabweans with intellectual disabilities at an official state house event in honor of the athletes that represented Special Olympics Zimbabwe at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE.
With support from the Minister of Sports, Kirsty Coventry, the delegation were honored for their achievements including 15 medals — 9 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. Athletes beamed with smiles as they received handshakes and praise from the President and state officials.
“The success by the Special Olympics Zimbabwe team gives impetus to fostering a high performance sporting ecosystem that is characterized by inclusion, equality and professionalism. This is important as sport by its nature, is an industry that joins together everyone, regardless of circumstances, background, creed and social status … Under the Second Republic [of Zimbabwe], disability will never be a hindrance to any of our citizenry from accessing, benefiting and enjoying all forms of social and economic opportunities,” said President Mnangagwa.
Special recognition was given to Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, Special Olympics International board member and athletics multi-medalist Nyasha Derera — President Mnangagwa expressed that his caliber shows the potential of young people who thrive to excel no matter their limitations and backgrounds.
Charles Nyambe, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Africa Region, presented the President a Special Olympics Play Unified football and ceremonial scarf in recognition of the power of sports to bring all people together.
Special Olympics global partner Lions Clubs International representatives from the Multiple District 412a who work directly with Special Olympics Zimbabwe, and Special Olympics Zimbabwe ambassador Glynn Cohen, attended to show support from the business and philanthropic community to athletes with intellectual disabilities in Zimbabwe. Read more in The Herald and ZBC News.
