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Bukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) will next week launch a supporters’ programme to help those that want to travel to Brazil to cheer the Mighty Warriors at the Olympic Games in the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro in August.

ZOC will engage Kingdom Sports Group (KSG), an authorised International Olympic Committee ticket retailer, to assist those planning to travel as fans.

ZOC had initially indicated that individuals interested in travelling to watch the Olympics had to apply and source event tickets and entry visas on their own, saying it was not in a capacity to provide accreditation since it was restricted to the categories of participants, officials and designated dignitaries. The body has now resolved to help fans that want to travel to support Team Zimbabwe through KSG.

“All individuals, interested parties and stakeholders not part of team management or international dignitaries that wish to support or attend the games must be aware (that) going to Brazil will require entry visas, travel, accommodation and event ticket purchase, which must be applied for on a personal basis,” read a ZOC statement.

“Access for stakeholders whose role or function is to support at the Games is strictly limited to spectator areas only, by way of event tickets. Spectators and fans cannot access the highly secured Olympic Athletes’ Village (to visit athletes) or any other restricted zones: ZOC cannot provide accreditation as this is restricted to the categories of participant, official or designated dignitary.”

However, the latest ZOC communiqué said despite not being in a position to sell event tickets directly to the public, it was going to engage KSG to ensure that Team Zimbabwe gets all the support it needs in Brazil.

“For the football programme to support the Zimbabwe women’s team, a special spectator hospitality package will be unveiled and individuals will pay a fee for their visa, airfare, meals, accommodation and tickets to the preliminary games for women’s football and the ticket company will organise the rest,” read the statement.