Independent Colleges Stage Thrilling Junior Athletics Showdown in Chinhoyi

By Admire Chitsungo

The atmosphere was electric at Chinhoyi High Technical School as junior schools under the National Independent Colleges Association of Zimbabwe converged for a vibrant provincial athletics competition that showcased emerging sporting talent and reinforced the role of sport in Zimbabwe’s modern education system.

The track and field spectacle drew learners from several districts, with sprint races, middle-distance events, relays and field disciplines providing thrilling action throughout the day as young athletes battled for provincial bragging rights and qualification for national competitions.

The event was graced by officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, with Provincial Director Edson Chauke represented by acting Director of Non-Formal Education Angeline Chikweya, alongside district education inspectors.

Addressing participants and spectators, Chikweya applauded independent colleges for successfully organising the athletics championships, noting that the development marked a significant milestone in the integration of private schools into mainstream sporting structures.

“I congratulate all independent colleges for successfully organising this event. Previously we mostly saw formal education centres hosting such competitions, but I am pleased that you have regularised yourselves under one formidable organisation,” she said.

Chikweya added that the initiative aligns with the country’s heritage-based curriculum and the thrust of Education 5.0, which recognises sport as a vital component of holistic learning.
“Sports are part of learning, which is why the ministry has inspectors responsible for sports in all districts.

We are embracing learners’ competencies because not all learners are academically gifted,” she said.

She also encouraged districts that had not yet participated in the competition to join the initiative, emphasising the importance of inclusivity within the independent schools sector.

Hurungwe District Schools Inspector Mr Gwanzura hailed the high level of organisation displayed at the competition.

“I am impressed with the level of organisation at this event. Keep up the momentum ,you are destined for greatness. Sports are an integral part of the heritage-based curriculum, and our education system has now come full circle with standardised programmes,” he said.

NICAZ provincial chairperson Sunungukai Hwatira expressed gratitude for the continued support from the ministry, saying the presence of government officials signalled growing recognition of independent colleges in national education development.

“We are happy with the support we are receiving from the ministry, as seen by their acceptance of our invitation to attend this event. This shows we are moving in the right direction,” said Hwatira.

Provincial sports organiser for junior schools Abel Chamunorwa Musikavanhu described the competition as a success.

“We managed to have five districts out of seven taking part in the provincial competitions for the first time under the NICAZ banner as private schools,” he said.

Musikavanhu also acknowledged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for supporting private institutions in strengthening the education sector.

He added that as organisers we would work on improving certain areas, particularly on ball games, as the association shifts focus to preparations for the national athletics championships scheduled for March 27 at Father Flower Group of Schools in Kadoma.

With the provincial competition successfully concluded, the young athletes now turn their focus to the national stage, where the country’s brightest independent school talents will battle for supremacy in what promises to be another exhilarating showcase of grassroots athletics.