HARARE Province retained the title at the just ended National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) interprovincial track and field championships which took place at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
More that 300 athletes converged from all provinces for the Saturday event which served as the final selection platform for the upcoming Africa Senior Championships scheduled for June 21 to 26 in Cameroon.
Bulawayo Province came out second while Mashonaland Central came third to complete the top three.
NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara said the event was a success considering the high turnout of athletes from all provinces which ensured a competitive meet.
“The turnout was pleasing and this has been one of our most successful events with Harare, Bulawayo, Midlands and Matabeleland South and North fielding some of the biggest numbers. We also noted the increase in participation and outstanding performance in 100m, 200m, 400m and 10 000m events,” Tagara said.
“The most exciting thing was that we were able to buy a camera and the electronic timing is now working after spending a huge amount of money to make sure that it was repaired in Belgium.”
Tagara hopes that the small contingent to be sent to Africa Senior Championships will qualify for the Paris Olympics which is the association's main goal.
“This year's event was also a selection event for the Africa Senior Championships and we are sending a smaller team due to financial constraints, but we hope that the team will represent us well. The team we are sending includes those who are closer to qualifying for the Olympics and we are also chasing the last slots for relays — that's why we are sending the best team,” he said.
- Harare retains interprovincial champs
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“Tickets are quite expensive because we are bringing athletes from US which is quite costly but we felt that it is important that these athletes are there to do their best and try qualifying for the Olympics.”
He also thanked their main sponsor Baldmin Holdings for always coming on board and ensuring the smooth flow of events.
“We are, however, appealing to parents and the corporate world to support our athletes especially those who have qualified but don't have the means to travel to Cameroon.”
NAAZ director of coaching Lisimati Phakamile is expected to announce soon the team heading for Cameroon.
