SPECIAL Olympics Zimbabwe is set to introduce a pilot initiative of performance stations (PS) designed to improve athletes’ results and performance ahead of the 2019 World Summer Games when they host the annual National Golf Tournament to be held at Chapman Golf Club next month.
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
The Special Olympics Zimbabwe team brought home 12 medals from the 15 athletes who participated at the Los Angeles Games in July and August 2015.
Interestingly, it was the golf team that contributed the bulk of the medals, scooping two gold, two silver and three bronze accolades.
“On October 16 2017, Special Olympics Zimbabwe will pilot a new initiative called performance stations. The pilot project will be held during the Special Olympics National Golf Tournament to be held at Chapman Golf Club,” said Special Olympics Zimbabwe national director Viola Musariri.
“The PS is coming at the right moment as we have started preparing for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Abu Dhabi. As athletes are training, coaches are also taking time to share information on nutrition, hydration and fitness.
“In May this year, we launched unified sports fitness clubs where we aim to bring about lifestyle changes to our athletes in line with our global goal of ensuring that Special Olympics athletes understand the importance of wellness and staying fit at all times.”
According to Musariri, the PS initiative is aimed at increasing athlete performance, helping them to compete and produce personal best results at any given competition.
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It is also a way of introducing the tenets of nutrition, hydration and fitness in relation to the athlete’s performance.
“We would like to ensure that Special Olympics athletes understand and appreciate the choices they make regarding what they eat, why it is important to stay hydrated and how it is critical that they stay fit,” she said.
Special Olympics Zimbabwe is in the process of looking for volunteers ranging from professionals in fitness-related fields, students in relevant fields, local sports stars or teams as well at the general populace interested to connecting with Special Olympics.
They are also looking at forging partnerships with retail outlets, water and juice manufacturers for the healthy snack and water options, vendors that can provide additional giveaways, universities that could provide students as volunteers.
At the national golf day, there will be several stations, including competition readiness, nutrition, hydration, physical activity, a pledge wall and local opportunities station.
Musariri also shared Special Olympics Zimbabwe’s vision as well as the long-term goal.
“Our long-term goal as Special Olympics Zimbabwe is to be able to reach every child and adult with intellectual disabilities and introduce them to the benefits of sport. We would like to be in the rural schools and communities because that is where there is the greatest need,” she said.
“Our vision is to have an inclusive society where people with intellectual disabilities access the same services, are in schools and are accorded the same human dignity as everyone else.”
