TOP Zimbabwean sports personalities – past and present – will on Sunday take part in welcome celebrations for the London 2012 Olympic team at the Rollers Club in Chingford, London.
The activities will include a football tournament, a children’s funfair and a fundraising raffle organised by the Zimbabwe Diaspora Olympics Support Network (ZDOSN) and Rollers Club on behalf of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC).
Knox Chitiyo, the ZDOSN chair said: “London 2012 represents an opportunity for the Zimbabweans in the UK to celebrate our sporting talent, our culture and welcome our sports personalities to our adopted home for the greatest sporting event on the planet.
“This weekend’s family fun day is an opportunity for us to support Team Zimbabwe 2012 ahead the opening ceremony; and will reflect our values and objectives as a nation.
“Our role is to provide moral and community support to the Zimbabwe Olympic Team. Through various outreach initiatives, we aim to increase public awareness of, and engagement with Team Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe’s small team of seven athletes to compete in the London Olympics began arriving this week. The country’s main medal hopeful – swimmer Kirsty Coventry – is expected to arrive in London next week ahead of the opening ceremony on July 27.
Tawanda Chiwira, the 100m sprinter who represented Zimbabwe at the Sydney Olympics will attend, as will some ZOC delegates.
Entertainment will be provided by DJ King Alfred, as well as a live performance by Manchester-based Heritage Survival Crew led by Zivai Guvheya, Thomas Mapfumo’s former guitarist.
Also supporting the event is the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) who are sponsoring the “Zimbabwe World of Wonders” football tournament.
Felicia Munjaidi, the ZTA representative in London, said: “We have spiced up the fun with a small football competition, so do bring your football studs along if you fancy a kick about.
“Ladies, who are keen on netball, can likewise bring their kits too. There’s a worthy prize to play for in the form of return air tickets to Zimbabwe!”
Prizes for the sporting competition are being sponsored by Ethiopian Airways.
Rollers Club spokesman, Davison Chimenya, said: “We have planned a day for all things Zimbabwean this coming weekend. From the famed Rollers gochi-gochi braais (barbeque), story-telling and face painting for kids, a meet and greet photo booth with sports stars, as well as fundraising initiatives for Team Zimbabwe.”
Adult admission for the Zimbabwe a World of Wonders Sports Day /Team Zimbabwe 2012 Family Funday is £5.00. Kids’ admission is free, while a stand to display or sell goods is a bargain at £30. For further information, please contact 07961092044/ 07828068585