NAAZ happy with meet turnout

THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president Tendayi Tagara says he is delighted in the huge turnout of athletes in the Baldmin Holdings first leg (Costar Takawira Mangwende) triangular series last weekend. The series, which included both field and track events, was hosted on Saturday at the National Sports Stadium with athletes across the country converging for this event.

The event was also used as part of the selection process and a platform to prepare athletes for the upcoming All Africa Games set for Ghana in March.

Tagara said the huge turnout of athletes particularly from the seniors was satisfying and showed their commitment in this sport.

“As an association we are very happy with the turn up of the athletes for the Baldmin triangular series. If you look, we changed this event to come in January so that we start preparing our athletes as early as possible. The turn up was very encouraging with so many heats in the 100m, 200m and 400m and that was a good indication of commitment on the athletes’ part. The fact that senior athletes also turned up rather than committing to senior events was also fulfilling,” Tagara said.

Those that excelled could also find themselves on the list for the team to participate in the upcoming World Relay challenge in Bahamas in April.

Tagara said the selection process was still in progress. “The coaches will come up with the lists for both men’s and women’s teams for the World Relay Challenge and they will be confirming with the athletes soon when they are done with compilations. Also, we are going to select teams for the upcoming cross-country competition for both sides,” he said.

Meanwhile, NAAZ hosted its annual awards last weekend after a 20-year hiatus, a move which the association believes will go a long way in motivating and creating competition this season.

“The turn up for the awards was completely overwhelming than what we expected. The invited guests and partners that supported us during the season came in their numbers. Sponsors including Old Mutual, Blanket Mine and Econet, among others, were present with the director of Econet Marathon flying all the way from Victoria Falls to grace the occasion.

We want to express our gratitude as an association for the huge support as we progress with our activities this year,”Tagara said.

Baldmin Holdings series results

100m and 200m senior women: Elizabeth Musipa

100m and 200m senior men: David Nyamufarira

800m senior women: Shantel Mutibvu

800m senior men: Kudzanai Chiburise 1 500m senior women: Shantel Mutibvu 1 500m senior men: Blessed Sipanela 400m senior men: Leeford Zuze

400m senior women: Paidamoyo Shekede 4x100m senior men: MWC Sport

4x100m senior women: Yadah

Discus senior men: Takunda Billage Mubariki Discus senior women: Naomi Musindo

Shot put senior women: Naomi Musindo Shot put senior men: Ephraim John Nyakonda

Long jump senior men: Ryan Zuze

Long jump senior women: Esther Maria Sibanda