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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE 2017 One Infantry Brigade inter-units sports gala kicked off yesterday at 1.1 Combat Battalion at Induna Barracks, with soldiers being challenged to exercise fair play and discipline.

The games are part of the selection criteria for a bilateral sports gala against their Botswana counterparts set to be held later this year, as well as the upcoming Zimbabwe National Youth Games, which will have members of the uniformed forces for the first time.

This year’s Youth Games will be held in Matabeleland North from August 17-27 and will be contested over 22 sport codes.

Speaking at the official opening of the sporting extravaganza that will end on Friday, One Infantry Brigade deputy commander Colonel Simo Maseko said the games provide an opportunity for the soldiers to socially interact and enhance mutual understanding and co-operation as an entity.

“Above all sporting games, allow us moments of refreshment from our hectic military activities in addition to improving physical fitness of our troops. Whether one wins or loses, no one will be able to take away the physical fitness gained and mental stamina created through the interaction. I therefore want to encourage you that as you compete in the respective disciplines, be aware that you are already fitness winners despite the outcome of your engagements,” said Maseko.

The soldiers, from 1.1 Combat Battalion, 1.2 Infantry Battalion from Hwange, 1.3 Reserve Force from Plumtree and HQ 1 Brigade, are competing in football, netball, volleyball, tug of war and endurance races.

“In the name of fairness, everyone should accept the decision of the match officials for the good of the games. The advantage with soldiers is that they remain disciplined even when subjected to challenging situations. However, losing teams can always go back to the drawing board and restrategise in order to win in forthcoming competitions,” said Maseko.