ZIMBABWE is ready to host the Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships from July 26 to 27 at the University of Zimbabwe Stadium, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has said.
This marks the first time in five years that the nation will stage such a prestigious event, a point emphasised by Cynthia Phiri, NAAZ secretary-general, at a Press conference held in Harare yesterday.
The championships run under the theme, One Track. One Region. One Dream.
The championships are expected to draw over 400 participants from 13 Sadc countries.
Athletes will compete across various disciplines, including long-distance runs and field events.
"This is no ordinary event; it's a return, a revival, a celebration,” Phiri said.
“For the first time in over five years, Zimbabwe will host a World Athletics and Confederation of African Athletics-sanctioned championship. This is more than just a competition; this is where dreams take flight and futures are forged."
The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, in conjunction with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), has endorsed the event.
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Shepherd Mukanhairi, acting director of sport and development at SRC, highlighted the national significance of the event.
"This event is a national opportunity. It aligns perfectly with the goals of the SRC and the government to increase participation in sport, improve podium performance and promote sports tourism as a driver of economic growth."
He added that NAAZ, under its dynamic five-year plan, has laid a strong foundation for development and decentralised talent identification, including digital licensing systems and inclusive programming.
Local organising committee vice-chairperson, Aaron Whyte, described the event as a journey of talent and tenacity, offering athletes a crucial platform for global exposure.
"The road to this championship has been paved with purpose, from the Junior Champs in Bulawayo to the interprovincial showdown," Whyte said.
"This moment is the culmination of blood, grit and glory. For many athletes, this is the gateway to the global stage."
NAAZ is receiving vital support from various sponsors, including Hwange Colliery Limited, Lobels Bread, Tanganda Tea Company, Rainbow Tourism Group and IMM Graduate School Zimbabwe.
"These partnerships are more than donations; they are declarations of belief in the power of sport," Whyte said.
With such strong backing and enthusiastic preparation, Zimbabwe is set to deliver a memorable and impactful Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships.
