HUNDREDS of educators from nine districts gathered at Ruware Primary School in Marondera on Saturday for the Zimbabwe Teachers Sports Association (ZITSA) Mashonaland Chapter Games.
The tournament, held to coincide with Africa Day, celebrated African unity through sport while also selecting Mashonaland East provincial teams for the national competitions set for Kariba in August.
Teachers competed in eight disciplines: soccer, women’s soccer, netball, basketball, handball, table tennis, darts and chess. Similar events were held in other provinces to mark Africa Day.
ZITSA president Tapiwa Liberty Ndewere said the games are part of a nationwide effort to promote teachers’ health and wellbeing through sport.
“We had Africa Day celebrations across the country in Harare, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West. The idea was to commemorate Africa Day and build provincial teams that will converge in Kariba to form national teams for teachers who will travel to Zambia and Botswana to compete with counterparts there,” he said.
“By 2027, we also have activities lined up for teachers, including those with disabilities. We are also encouraging participation in the arts, as many teachers have talent that needs nurturing.”
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Ndewere added that ZITSA is promoting fitness and wellbeing among teachers, who often struggle to find time for exercise due to work demands.
He also said the association was pleased to resume full activities following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was supported by Doves Financial Services, the main sponsor. The Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU) pledged to send 10 teachers to Zambia for tournaments and provide training on coaching and officiating.
All nine districts—Marondera, Murewa, Mutoko, Mudzi, UMP, Goromonzi, Seke, Chikomba and Hwedza—participated. The event was attended by ZITSA national and provincial officials, including Mashonaland East chairperson Eugenia Wasiyenyika and ZTTU president Noah Fernando.
Wasiyenyika praised the spirit of unity on display.
“This was Africa Day in action. We competed hard, but leave here as one Mash East family. Kariba, here we come,” she said.
The province has now finalised its teams for the national games in Kariba in August.