Associations and boards gathered for the official opening of the Charles Manyuchi Sports Academy where eight sign contracts to join the talent-based school in Harare today.
Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) president, Letticia Chipandu; Mr Murandu from Zimbabwe National Boxing Control Board and Zimbabwe Amateur Boxing Association president Jim Mpalale were some of the association representatives and leaders that witnessed the official opening procedures.
“Let me hasten to say that the idea to establish this academy was born out of the profound harsh challenges that one of the profound members of this academy, Charles Manyuchi himself who fortunately managed to defy the odds to become a celebrated icon both domestically and internationally,” Academy’s spokesperson Prosper Muzamwendo said.
The academy will accommodate sports like boxing, netball, squash, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball and among other games.
Mpalale applauded Manyuchi for giving back to the society by establishing the Academy during a speech at the official opening.
“We have sports people who made big names and made lots of money, pocketed it and run but Charles Manyuchi did not, he has given back to the community”
“Our parent Ministry of Sports and Recreation SRC, will as always assist this project, local authorities are leading the way, National Sports federations will all come in hand, and the local community will contribute by giving your moral support”
Eight members who signed contracts to join the Chivhu located academy from different provinces shall be participating in the boxing sport which Manyuchi has been successful in.
Besides Charles Manyuchi, Zimbabwe has managed to produce two other athletes which include Kirsty Coventry and Elliot Mujaji who flew the country’s flag higher by scoping the top medals during the Olympics and Paralympics respectively.
The country, however, is facing financial challenges and lack of equipment for the local athletes to produce the best.