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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO has for the third year running been chosen to host the national Olympic Fun Day celebrations set for June 20 at White City Stadium.This was confirmed by the Sports and Recreation Commission’s provincial sports coordinator for Bulawayo Metropolitan province Sam Dzvimbu yesterday. The City of Kings and Queens played host to the 2013 and 2014 celebrations.

“At the moment all I can confirm to you is that the celebrations will be held on June 20 at White City Stadium. The other details will be unveiled after meeting with Zimbabwe Olympic Committee officials,” said Dzvimbu.

He revealed that the Bulawayo Sports Management Board led by businessman Raj Modi would be in charge of all the preparatory work as well as staging of the event that has been celebrated worldwide since its inception in 1948.

The day is much more than just a sporting event, but a day for the world to get active and learn about Olympic values and discover new sports.

Based on the three pillars, “move, learn and discover”, national Olympic committees organise sports, cultural and educational activities throughout the world.

Under the move pillar, people are encouraged to get active on Olympic Day, and this can refer to all sorts of physical activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Olympic Day is a great opportunity to look and learn about the contribution of sport to global social issues that can affect a community, such as education, health promotion, HIV prevention, women’s and girls’ empowerment, environmental protection, peace building and local community development.

Being a responsible citizen is also part of the philosophy of Olympism. The teaching of Olympic values, which are excellence, friendship and respect, are also important for this pillar.

The fun day is all about inviting and encouraging people to try new sports and activities that they have never done before. It is also an opportunity to introduce people to sports that they may not have easy access to or are lesser known in their region.

Zimbabwe has produced a number of Olympic legends, such as swimming sensation Kirsty Coventry, Paralympic runner Elliot Mujaji and hockey legend Pat Mckillop. Highlanders goalkeepers’ coach Peter “Oxo” Nkomo and Tapiwa Mudyambanje are also among the Olympians. They were part of the Under-23 soccer team that participated at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.