The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
IT keeps getting better for Zimbabwe’s internationally acclaimed Safe Sport expert Kupakwashe Mukurumbira.
To literally translate his surname into English, Kupakwashe’s popularity has been growing in leaps and bounds.
Eight months after he was appointed onto the Safe Sport International (SSI) board, he has also been recognised by the European Union for his work in the campaign for the elimination of all forms of violence, abuse and harassment against athletes of all ages.
He was last week included in the pool of international experts on Safe Sport by the Council of Europe as a consultant and trainer.
The pool of international experts on Safe Sport is the single entry point to a unique source of multi-disciplinary expertise covering all forms of violence and abuse against children in sport.
It builds on the previously established pool of European experts on sexual violence in sport, which has existed since 2017.
Mukurumbira was naturally elated with his latest appointment, which believes will also help open international avenues for more local sports administrators.
“It’s an honour to be appointed amongst some of the leading Safe Sport experts in the world, who have done amazing work towards creating a much Safe Sport environment globally,” he said.
“As you are aware, the protection of athletes from all forms of abuse is a critical issue for International Sport Organisations and Countries.
“The appointment gives me a unique opportunity to serve athletes, represent Africa and Zimbabwe.”
He currently writes a lot of literature on Safe Sport and has over 18 articles published by different global sport development websites.
Mukurumbira, who is also the Zimbabwe Boxing and Wrestling Control Board’s programmes’ manager, has also worked with FIFA during his international tour of duty.
“My work with FIFA and training leaders in different organisations about Safe Sport has also been key to appointment.
“I hope this appointment also inspires the next generation of sport administrators by showing them it is possible to influence the global sport space through working hard and being consistent.’’
The former Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC)’s sport development officer’s latest appointment also involves a lot travelling across the globe to do consultancy work on Safe Sport.
