Legislators Use Sports to Combat Substance Abuse and Promote Wellness

Zimbabwean Legislators Use Sports to Combat Substance Abuse and Promote Wellness

By Azriel Chimeno

Zimbabwean legislators converged in Kadoma on Saturday for a sports event that brought together lawmakers and community members to promote healthy living and combat the scourge of drug and substance abuse. The event was a strategic move to engage young people in positive activities and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, while also showcasing the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The event was a strategic move to engage young people in positive activities and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, while also showcasing the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With sports being a universal language, the event provided a platform for the legislators to interact with the community and promote a culture of health and wellness.

The sports event, which featured a range of activities including soccer, netball, volleyball, darts, pool, tug of war and chess, was designed to showcase the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Soccer was the main attraction, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic participation. The legislators, who participated in the activities, emphasised the need for young people to engage in sports and other positive activities to avoid the temptation of drug abuse. By promoting sports and healthy living, the event aimed to contribute to the country’s efforts to tackle the problem of drug abuse.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Sports Club Happymore Chidziva, he said they were proud to be part of this initiative that uses sports as a tool to combat drug and substance abuse.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative that uses sports as a tool to combat drug and substance abuse,” said Chidziva, “As lawmakers, we believe that it is our responsibility to spread the gospel of anti-drug and substance abuse through sports. By playing and interacting with the community, we are not only promoting healthy living but also empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and our goal is to create a society that values health, wellness and positive living, and we believe that sports can play a critical role in achieving that goal,” said Chidziva who is the Legislator for Glenview North.

The event also provided an opportunity for the legislators to engage with the community and discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse. Participants praised the initiative, saying it was a step in the right direction towards promoting healthy living and preventing drug abuse. Zimbabwean lawmakers, are embarking on a countrywide tour to combat the scourge of drug and substance abuse, with a mission to educate, empower, and protect communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of substance abuse and Chidziva said the tours are aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and provide support to those affected by substance abuse.

“We are thrilled to be in Kadoma today, following the success of our previous tours in Gutu South and Gwanda,” Chidziva added. “Our mission is to take this initiative to every corner of the country, spreading the message of the dangers of drug and substance abuse, particularly to the youth. We believe that by educating and empowering young people, we can build a healthier and more productive nation. Our sports club is committed to being at the forefront of this fight, and we will continue to visit every district, teaching and preaching about the importance of living a drug-free life,” he said.

Host Kadoma Member of Parliament Gift Mambipiri said he was happy to see the Community coming in numbers to play and interact with the Parliamentarians as they engage in sports and fighting against drug and substance abuse.

“I am thrilled to see our youth engaging in positive activities through this sports gala, which is a step in the right direction towards promoting healthy living and keeping our children away from substance abuse. I commend the Zimbabwe Parliamentary Sports Club for organizing this wonderful event, which has shown that with determination and teamwork, we can make a difference in our community,” said Mambipiri.

Margaret Huni and Lisa Mtungwa, participants in the sports gala, expressed their gratitude and newfound knowledge about the dangers of substance abuse. “I am so grateful to have been part of this sports gala. I now understand the dangers of substance abuse and I’m committed to spreading the word to my friends and family,” said Margaret. Lisa added, “This sports gala has been an eye-opening experience for me. I have learned about the importance of staying focused and avoiding substance abuse, and I’m excited to contribute to creating a healthier community.”