Sporting excellence shines at RASA 7th edition

By Staff Reporter

The Harare International Conference Centre was abuzz last night with the 7th Edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) bringing together the best of achievement in Southern African athletics. Under the glorious heading, “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation!”, the occasion bore witness to the energetic potential of sport, strength to the voices which had called for unity, empowering the youth and regional integration.

The keynote address, read on behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Regional Annual Sport Awards, by the Honourable O.C.Z. Muchinguri Kashiri, resonated with the auspicious audience. Welcomes were made to a galaxy of high-profile figures such as regional Ministers, ambassadors, and sports administrators of high stature, underscore the regional importance of the event.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the night was the special salute to the country’s own living legend, Dr. Kirsty Coventry. With a seven-Olympic Gold Medal total and a glass ceiling breaker, Dr. Coventry was saluted for not accepting mediocrity, challenging future generations to reach higher than achievable. The speech highlighted that her achievements are not personal victories but milestones for the nation and the region, representing the very essence of discipline and resolve.

The address emphasized that sport is far more than just competition; it is a vital vehicle for promoting peace, economic empowerment, and social transformation. “In a world that often seeks to divide us, sport brings us together, resonating with our National Mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” read the speech. Regional Annual Sports Awards were acclaimed as symbols of discipline, persistence, and unyielding determination to succeed in the face of adversity, giving rise to feelings of belonging, identity, oneness, team spirit, and hope.

AUSC Region 5 was valued for its dedication to youth and sport development. Member States, the private sector, and regional institutions were called on to continue to strengthen programs that foster the development of talent, improve infrastructure, and make sport inclusive.

The dedication by the government to officially engaging the youths, especially through recreation and sport, was spelled out as a step towards steering them away from social ills like drug and substance abuse. It was argued that significant investment was put in sport, recreation, and arts as some of the most important drivers of the economy, guided by the national vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a “Prosperous and Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.”

The RASA platform was identified as a launching ground for champions, with the likes of Zambia footballers Patson Daka and Collins Mbesuma, Botswana Olympic medalist Nijel Amos, and Zimbabwe swimmer Donata Katai being a testament to the effectiveness of AUSC Region 5 system.

This year, 44 top nominees were recognized, showcasing the extensive and rich talent of the SADC region. “To all of the nominees, you have not only brought honor to your respective sport and country, but you have also displayed the spirit of competition and the passion that characterize our Region,” the address stated, encouraging them to continue being beacons of integrity, passion, and excellence.

Beyond the accolades, the economic potential of sport was a key focus. Research indicating that the global sports events market can generate nearly US$80 billion annually was cited, emphasizing sport’s role as a productive and not merely consumptive sector. The development philosophy of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo – A country is built by its people” was invoked, highlighting that investing in sport is an investment in youth and the future.

The AUSC Region 5 Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stanley Mutoya, and the Secretariat were commended for their commendable work, alongside the host Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and the Sport and Recreation Commission.

As the evening drew to a close, a powerful call to action was issued: “Let this evening be a reminder that when we invest in sport, we invest in unity, health, employment, and hope. Let it be a call to action—that every child in our villages, towns, and cities has an opportunity to play, compete, and excel.” The hope was expressed that the 7th Edition of RASA would serve not only as a celebration but also as a declaration of a shared vision for a vibrant and inclusive sporting community in Southern Africa.

The night culminated in the announcement of the winners, celebrating the best of the best in regional sport. Amongst them:
* Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year: Mercy Chipasa (Football, Zambia)
* Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year: Collen Busang Kebinatship (Botswana)
* Sportswoman of the Year with A Disability: Simon Kruger
* Sportsman of the Year with A Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo
* Team of the Year: Botswana 4×400 Men’s Relay Team (Athletics, Botswana)
* Coach of the Year: Kebonyemodise Dose Mosimanyane (Botswana)
* Confederation of the Year: Swimming
* Sports Journalist of the Year: Elina Mhlanga (Zimbabwe)
* AUSC Region 5 Award: Zimbabwe
* Sportsman of the Year Award: Letsile Tebogo (Athletics, Botswana)
* Woman of the Year: Tabitha Chawinga (Football, Malawi)
* Sportsperson of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (Athletics, Botswana)

The RASA event was a resounding success, illuminating the immense talent and unwavering spirit within the SADC region, and setting a high standard for future sporting endeavors.