By Takudzwa Madondo
MUTARE – Fifty-four coaches from Mutare, Mutasa, Chimanimani, Makoni, Buhera and Nyanga districts in Manicaland Province on Friday received certificates after completing a four-day Unified Sports training workshop in Mutare, held under the theme “Inclusion Through Sport,” as preparations intensify for Manicaland to host the Special Olympics National Games next year.
The workshop, which ran from Tuesday to Friday at Sakubva Primary School, was organised through a partnership between Special Olympics Zimbabwe and German Olympic Sports Confederation, with representatives from the Sports and Recreation Commission also in attendance.
Facilitator Tobias Antoni from the German Olympic Sports Confederation said the organization remains committed to supporting the growth of inclusive sport in Zimbabwe through capacity-building programmes and community-based training initiatives.
Unified Sports brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams, using sport as a tool to promote social inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity.
“I am very happy with the work Special Olympics Zimbabwe has done over the past few years,” Antoni said.“We are committed to supporting further development through different methodologies. I hope the coaches and teachers attending this workshop will go on to implement what they have learned in their respective communities and institutions.”
Antoni said inclusion through sport was helping break down barriers for people with intellectual disabilities while creating stronger and more united communities. Special Olympics Zimbabwe acting national director John Muringani said the partnership between Special Olympics Zimbabwe and the German Olympic Sports Confederation would go a long way in expanding the reach of the organization across the country.
He also thanked Antoni for his continued support and generosity.The Mutare programme will be followed by similar workshops in Harare and Masvingo in the coming weeks as Special Olympics Zimbabwe expands its nationwide inclusion campaign.
Speaking during the event, Manicaland provincial coordinator from the Sports and Recreation Commission Shupikai Berejena applauded the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening inclusion through sport across Manicaland Province.
“As government, we fully support this initiative together with the German Olympic Sports Confederation because they are reaching all districts in Manicaland,” Berejena said. “With Manicaland set to host the Special Olympics next year, this workshop provides an important roadmap for the province. The knowledge being shared here will go a long way in helping communities embrace inclusion and development through sport. Manicaland is expected to host the Special Olympics National Games next year, a development stakeholders believe will further position the province as a hub for inclusive sport in Zimbabwe.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Nyasha Derera — former Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger for the Africa Region, Global Athlete Congress chairperson, Special Olympics International board member, and current Special Olympics Africa staff coordinator for Athlete Leadership and Youth Engagement — said sport continues to be a powerful catalyst for breaking down barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities.
“Through Unified Sports, people with and without intellectual disabilities are given equal opportunities to participate, compete, and build friendships,” Derera said. “Although Special Olympics Zimbabwe still faces challenges, we call upon everyone to support this movement. We also appreciate His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for championing the mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind,’ as government support continues to strengthen inclusion across the country.”
One of the coaches who attended the workshop, Benice Casper, said the programme was important in creating more volunteers and expanding Unified Sports initiatives into communities and clubs.
“Unified Sport is not about playing for people with disabilities, but about playing with them to build communities where everyone belongs,” Casper said.
Throughout the workshop, participants received practical training in Unified Sports methodologies, leadership, and inclusive coaching practices aimed at transforming communities through sport. As Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to promote disability inclusion, the Mutare workshop stands as more than just a training programme — it is a statement of intent that sport can unite communities, dismantle stigma and create opportunities for all.