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Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO businessman and philanthropist Raj Modi was yesterday rewarded for his unwavering support for Zimbabwe sport at the Annual Sports Awards ceremony in Harare.It was a night in which Charles Manyuchi’s prowess in the ring was finally recognised by his country as he scooped the Sportsperson of the Year accolade.

A driving force with Sport and Recreation Commission activities for the last decade in Bulawayo and sponsor of the popular Nkulumane Spar 10km road race, Modi received a special mention award.

He was rewarded for his support for the Bulawayo Province. He was named in the Special Provincial Award category with Glo Petroleum.

The city businessman, who sold his shareholding to Choppies this year and will begin a new venture in Bulawayo before the end of the year, said he was elated with the recognition.

“I’m happy for the role that I’ve played in uplifting sport in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe in general.  When you help it’s not with an award in mind but for the good of the nation and where I can I’ll continue to assist sport in general in Zimbabwe,” said Modi.

Modi has assisted schools sport, Youth Education through Sport, Paralympic sport and the Zimbabwe National Youth Games where he is Bulawayo Province chief executive officer.

His philanthropic work also involves supporting several charities in the city and out of Bulawayo.

He was recommended for the award by Sam Dzvimbu and Isaiah Mpofu of the Southern Region SRC offices in Bulawayo in recognition of his commitment to sport and the people.

His active involvement in sport began in 1997 when he started sponsoring the Nkulumane Spar 10km event which by 1998 had grown in stature to a national event.

Many athletes who went to make it in road running outside the country who include Samukeliso Moyo, Wirimayi Juwawo and Kudakwashe Shoko are former stars of his event.