Staff Reporter
Government is committed to uplifting the livelihoods of all sport-persons in a bid to leave no one and no place behind in various economic factors.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated this during the official launch of the International Cricket Council in Bulawayo, yesterday.
“Allow me to highlight that the Government of Zimbabwe is committed to providing an environment which allows sports-persons from various disciplines, to grow and realize their full potential. In doing so, we are determined to leave no one and no place behind.
“Presently, my Administration is formulating the Sport and Recreation Policy, which seeks to promote the inclusive participation of previously marginalized communities. This is aimed at re-modelling our sporting sector into an inclusive and viable industry,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa further commended the ICC for having faith in Zimbabwe’s ability to host the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022, saying that it is a show of confidence and support in the strides Zimbabwe is making towards the development of cricket, not only in the country but on the African continent as a whole.
“This is the fifth ICC tournament that we are hosting within the last six years. Others have included the Africa regional women`s competitions as well as the ICC Men`s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2018 and most recently, the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup Qualifier held in 2021.
“This shows the confidence which the International Cricket Council has in Zimbabwe`s conducive environment which enables the successful hosting of such an event,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President added that Sport is a uniter of people from different places and nations.
“It is also an example of the role sport plays in uniting people from diverse backgrounds as well as the ability to speak to us in a language we all understand,” said President Mnangagwa.
He expressed gratitude to the ICC for Zimbabwe`s nomination to co-host the ICC Men`s World Cup 2027, alongside the Southern African neighbours, Namibia and South Africa, while welcoming everyone to the event.
“Finally, on behalf of my Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I once again extend a warm welcome to everyone involved in the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022, and wish you every success and good health,” said President Mnangagwa.
Meanwhile, the participation of the eight teams namely, Hong Kong, Jersey, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Uganda, the United States of America and Zimbabwe is expected to add diversity and jamboree atmosphere to this sporting event.
