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Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE French Embassy in Zimbabwe celebrated the successful hosting of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics in Harare on Wednesday night.
The event was hosted by France’s ambassador, Paul Bertrand Barets.
Zimbabwe sent nine athletes, with three qualifying to the finals of their races.
Isaac Mpofu, Rutendo Nyahora, Stephen Cox, Tapiwa Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba, Denilson Cyprianos, and Paige Van Der Westhuizen completed the Olympics team, while Kudakwashe Chigwedere and Tinotenda Bangor made the Paralympics team.
Deputy Sports Minister Emily Jesaya and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chief executive Marlene Gadzirayi were among the high-profile individuals in attendance.
Deputy Minister Jesaya conveyed her gratitude to the French Embassy for their unwavering support of sport in the country.
“As we celebrate the success of our athletes at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, I want to convey my gratitude to the French Embassy for their unwavering support of athletics in Zimbabwe.
“I recognise all our talented Olympic and Paralympic athletes who took part. Your achievement exemplifies the spirit of resilience and perseverance, and you have made our nation proud.
“Thank you for your hard work and for inspiring the next generation.
She added:
“Participating in Paris had a profound effect on our athletes development, both on and off the field.
“The support provided at the Olympic village fostered an environment that encouraged growth, learning, and collaboration.
“Our technical staff also gained invaluable insights from France’s exceptional hosting, which will prepare us for future competitions.
“This highlights the importance of international collaboration in sports but also reaffirms our commitment to excellence.” It is important to provide our athletes with resources to continue developing them.
Jesaya also expressed her gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his unwavering support for the Olympic team.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, for his commitment to sport development and unwavering support as we approached the Olympics,” she said.
Ambassador Barets said he had the honour to mingle with the Zimbabwean delegation before he came here that was led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and kept it as one of his souvenir stories.
He said Paris was a great experience for the athletes.
“Zimbabwean athletes, who are with us tonight, can testify to the experience they had in Paris, which I also share the great souvenirs of Paris.
“But my greatest experience is I saw the Zim athletes sailing along the river carrying their flag in the heart of Paris, and you can imagine how my introduction to my new country of residence was.
“Then afterwards I managed to mingle with the different amazing athletes and para-athletes in a delegation led by Vice President Chiwenga and the Minister of Sports, Kirsty Coventry.
“Among the nine athletes who were strong enough to be selected for Paris, at least three of them made it to the finals.
“And we have an athlete, who is with us today, who finished the most difficult marathon ever and the rest, who made history.
“I am grateful for all the athletes who have been with us here as we celebrate the sports relationship between France and Zimbabwe.”
Gadzirayi said they were grateful to the government for their continued support.
“I want to say thank you to the government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sports, for the support they gave us, with special mention of the Vice President, C.D.G. Chiwenga.
“He came to the Olympic village and had a number of conversations with the athletes, which was heart-warming.
“As we acknowledge the seven athletes, we also appreciate the role played by their parents and guardians,” she said.
Online Reporter
