Makhosini calls for equality

MINISTER of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane has called for dignity, respect and equality when addressing the disabled in sport.

In his opening remarks at the 29th edition of the Danhiko Paralymsini call for pic Games, held at Danhiko Primary School yesterday, Hlongwane said there is need to be more proactive when addressing the plight of the marginalised group.

“In line with the National Sport and Recreation policy, the ministry is mandated to foster equality among all citizens in the country,” the Minister said.

“As a result, we need to be more practical as opposed to paying lip service to the disabled people.

“Dignity, respect and equality should be at the core of what we do with them,” he said.

Hlongwane pledged to ensure that all sport and recreation facilities meet the high performance demands for all Paralympics, highlighting how the ministry has gone an extra mile in operationalising its administrative framework through the enactment of numerous sporting programs.

Among them are the Community Sport and Recreation Club system, the Team Zimbabwe Selection Policy and the Zimbabwe National Fitness and Wellness Programme; all of which were sired by the adoption of the National Sport and Recreation Policy.

“As you may recall, our participation at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games raised our flag high and that served as a clear demonstration of the progressive evolution stage we are advancing towards in terms of developing Paralympic sport.

“It is also on record that the majority of medals we got from Team Zimbabwe at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games, held in Angola, were a result of the outstanding performance by Paralympic athletes.

“This demonstrates the potential that we have as a nation in the area of sport for people living with disabilities,” he said.