The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
THE Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane has invited all the participating teams at the Junior World Rugby Trophy to join in on the festivities as the country celebrates its 36th anniversary tomorrow.
Speaking at a media conference in the capital yesterday, the hard working Minister Hlongwane urged the visiting teams to enjoy Zimbabwe’s famed hospitality.
“It is indeed not an everyday occurrence to have the pleasure to receive visitors from such diverse countries under the auspices of the game of rugby,” he said.
“To you all esteemed officials and players from Fiji, Hong Kong, Namibia, Samoa, Spain, the United States of America and Uruguay, I can assure you that for the coming 18 days, Zimbabwe has officially been declared your home away from home.
“It is quite fortuitous and yet no small coincidence that on the eve of the official commencement of the tournament, Zimbabwe, on April 18, will celebrate the 36th anniversary of its hard won independence.
“You are all kindly invited to be part of this historic and momentous event on our political calendar as a nation.
“We embrace you with open arms and it is our sincere hope that you will find time from your crowded schedules to interact with the local populace and acquaint yourselves with its unique cultural traits.”
Minister Hlongwane noted that hosting the rugby showcase will boost the country’s image.
“It is our firm conviction that hosting the ninth edition of the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy will spur the growth of sport tourism in Zimbabwe and have a salutary impact on Brand Zimbabwe.
“I am sure that some ambivalent and misplaced perceptions about Zimbabwe will be debunked during and after this tournament. Harare and its environment offers some tourist attractions, but to those who have ample time, you may consider visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World- the mighty Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe or the magnificent Eastern Highlands,” he said.
World Rugby representative Simon Kibble said Zimbabwe looks set to host a successful tourney.
“On behalf of World Rugby, it’s great be here,” said Kibble.
“This is my fourth visit here, in preparation for this tournament, and we are all delighted be here.
‘The teams are delighted to be here, we had a team managers’ meeting earlier (yesterday), and everyone was all smiles following some wonderful welcomes the teams received upon touching down at the airport.
“These are all quite unique welcomes, I must admit that in my time in sport, which stretches to over a decade, this was one of the best welcomes I have ever witnessed.”
