when they take part in the World Team Cup in South Africa this month.
Wheelchair Tennis Zimbabwe Association received an invitation letter from the International Tennis Federation to participate in the event scheduled to run from April 25 to May 1.
Zimbabwe will be taking part on wild card entry after Iraq withdrew from the competition.
WTZA president Lewis Garaba said the development comes as a boost for the development of the sport locally.
“We are happy to be taking part in the event. It shows that the ITF have confidence in us and they recognise the progress we have made so far in developing the sport.
“It makes people in the country to appreciate that disabled people can also do sports,” said Garaba.
Garaba said the event was a learning curve for the young players and by participating in this year’s competition it gives them the opportunity to participate in the same event in the future.
“They have got the opportunity to enter next year’s event because this is an annual event and it is coming to Africa for the first time.
“We are saying to the players they have to be good ambassadors of Zimbabwe so that other players emulate that.
“We have upcoming players at Danhiko and St Giles, they will be motivated with this.
“We also know that when players like Nyasha Mharakurwa retire we have no problem in replacing them because we have the juniors doing well.
“This is one of the highest levels for junior players to be taking part and it is very encouraging,” said Garaba.
The international federation will sponsor the trip and over 100 teams are expected to compete in South Africa.
Meanwhile the national association are intensifying their preparations to host the a second edition of the Harare Open set for early next month after successfully hosting the inaugural event last year in April.

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