HARARE - Comrades Marathon winner, Stephen Muzhingi, After what appeared to be neglect on the part of the authorities for the Zimbabwean hero who successfully won and defended his Comrades Marathon title two months
ago in South Africa, a ceremony was held in his honour
.
It was hosted by Masunda and the Sports and Recreation Commission Deputy general, Edward Siwela, who said the commission would work hard to improve sport in the country and would also honour those who excelled in their disciplines.
As the Sports and Recreation Commission we are, among other things, mandated with the promotion and development of sports and recreation in Zimbabwe which we do through working with and through national sports associations.
As I speak, we are in the process of reviewing some key policies and provisions of the sports and recreation to create a conducive environment in which the athletes can achieve the best results, he said.
Siwela added that Muzhingi’s achievement went a long way in raising the countrys flag high as the event attracted athletes from all over the world and has over the years grown to become one of the most prestigious events on the international sporting calendar.
The ceremony was attended by high ranking government officials, among them Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Saviour Kasukuwere, SRC director-general Charles Nhemachena, Zimbabwe Olympic committee chief executive Robert Mutsauki and former Davis Cup tennis star Wayne Black.
Muzhingi was elated to receive recognition for his success.
I have been continuously urged to switch citizenship in order to fully reap the rewards of the race, but the praise I have been given today goes a long way in reaffirming my allegiance to Zimbabwe.
The mayor and dignitaries here today have made me want to do more and I have made a promise to them and every other Zimbabwean to make the marathon my own as I intend to win every year from now onwards, said Muzhingi.
My only wish now is for financial aid in my training as I currently reside in Chitungwiza but train at Chikurubi which has all the facilities I need for my training.
They can chip in with such things as transport, training kits and accommodation which will lessen my burden as I have devoted most of my winnings to my familys upkeep, he said.
Muzhingi recently won the 85th edition of the Comrades Marathon, an
89km run known as the Ultimate Human Race. Sports reporter
Post published in: Athletics