The need for society to shun drug and substance abuse was the rallying point as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) teams converged at Whawha prison for the Midlands Officer Commanding Sports Gala at the weekend.
The ZPCS Midlands Provincial teams battled it out in various sporting disciplines at Whawha Prison. In the end, it was Zone B, which comprises Gokwe, Connemara and Kwekwe Prisons, which proved to be a cut above the rest after shining in the sports competitions.
However, the drug and substance abuse scourge was the key message at the gala.
“We are gathered here at a pivotal moment when sports are increasingly recognised not only as a platform for physical excellence and social cohesion, but also as a springboard for innovation and production. At this juncture, it is important to acknowledge the visionary leadership of our proactive development champion, His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose unwavering dedication to combating drug and substance abuse has catalysed nationwide action,” 4H Zimbabwe’s director, Mr John Muchenje said.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Somemore Gate, rallied teams to use the sporting platform to network and create meaningful synergies.
“Those who participated are not only champions of strength and skills, but also ambassadors of ideas, business ventures and social change. Let us change ourselves to think beyond traditional boundaries to innovate on how we train, compete and collaborate.”
Running under the theme: ‘Innovation Production and Entrepreneurship Through Sports: Excellence Beyond the Walls,’ the sports gala is a precursor to the Commissioner General Sports Gala, where winners will battle it out with other provinces.
Meanwhile, athletes from all corners of the country gathered in the capital this Sunday for the third edition of the ZPCS Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund Half Marathon, an event that seamlessly combined competitive athletics with a spirit of charity.
A festive atmosphere gripped Harare on Sunday as runners, wheelchair athletes, and enthusiastic supporters gathered for the annual Commissioner-General’s Half Marathon for the Harare Metropolitan Province.
ZPCS Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund Half Marathon continues to go beyond athletic competition, championing charitable causes and community empowerment.
The event has grown into a symbol of giving back, uplifting underprivileged communities while promoting health and fitness.
Speaking at the event, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner-General Dr Granisia Musango, underscored the marathon’s deeper purpose.
“Events such as this are not merely athletic in nature, but they are a testimony to the Service’s shared commitment to community development, charity, and national development. They reflect the spirit of unity and the impact of purposeful action,” he said.
Veteran long-distance runner Moses Tarakinyu and Caroline Mhandu stole the spotlight in the men’s and women’s half marathons, each walking away with a US$500 prize for their victories.
In the fiercely contested 10km races, Wellington Varevi clinched the men’s title with an impressive time of 30 minutes and 37 seconds, while Melody Kaseke claimed gold in the women’s division, finishing in 33 minutes flat. Both winners received US$200 each for their outstanding performances.
