Mujaji in 500km walk from Bulawayo to Harare to raise funds for Great Dyke Youth Sports Park

PARALYMPIC legend, Elliot Mujaji is on an audacious walk from Bulawayo to Harare in a bid to raise funds to establish a Centre of excellence youth academy in the Great Dyke.

The walk that began on Saturday and is expected to be completed in least 15 days aims to raise US$876,374 part of a larger goal of US$1 million fo construct the youth centre.

Mujaji said he envisions of establishing a sports centre that would assist in grooming youth athletes and offer various opportunities.

“Indeed my vision extends beyond the Dyke. I dream of the Great Dyke Youth Sports Park a state-of-the-art facility that will serve Zimbabwe as a beacon of athletic excellence and community empowerment. Imagine a place where local talents are discovered, nurtured, and showcased on the world stage.

“A hub with cutting-edge multi-sport venues, training zones, and innovative technology platforms designed to identify and develop our youth’s potential.

“This park will be accessible to all, especially rural and mining communities in the Great Dyke and surrounding areas places where the love for sports runs deep but opportunities are scarce,” said Mujaji.

In 1998, Mujaji’s life changed forever when an accident cost him his right hand and was in a coma for some months.

Mujaji is a beneficiary of a scholarship programme that saw him being trained at state of the art facilities in Australia.

He went on a trail blazing Paralympic journey winning gold medal in 2000 in Sydney and repeated the same feat in Anthens four years later.

The paralympian legend said the athletes in the mould of him and Olympian icon Kirsty can be raised in Zimbabwe provided quality facilities are established.

“I believe that with increased access to such facilities here at home, many more young Zimbabweans can realise their full potential. It’s not just a dream, it’s a vision rooted in our collective capacity to build a better future.

“Today, I ask for your support not just in donations, but in belief. As I walk towards Harare, I invite each of you to walk with me literally or figuratively. A few steps, a wave, a word of encouragement these are the fuels that will carry me forward.

“I also urge companies, schools, and individuals to make this Friday, March 20, a “Sports Friday.” Wear your sports jerseys or attire and contribute whatever you can, be it a dollar or more through our platforms to support this cause,” said Mujaji.

Mujaji is in the Midlands province as he continues with his 500 kilometre walk to Harare. _*NewZimbabwe*_