In our bid to use sport as a tool to promote mental health 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Midlands Province hosted a Midlands Province Officer Commanding Inmates’ Sports Tournament at Whawha Medium Prison.
The tournament was the first of its kind as it was the first tournament to bring together inmates from all the Correctional Facilities in the Midlands Province through sports. Sport proved to be an important tool for rehabilitation. Sporting disciplines that took place were soccer, volleyball, tug of war, chess, and snooker. 4-H Zimbabwe wants to always ensure that sport is used to promote physical fitness whilst instilling essential values such as teamwork and discipline.
The guest of honor for the event, and Executive Director for 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation, John Muchenje during his speech emphasized the importance of intertwining sports with community integration. He emphasized the importance of sport and how it has been such a pleasure to be impacting inmates as an organization.
“These activities are not only a showcase of talent and teamwork but also serve as a platform for us to promote and celebrate the value of sports as a tool for rehabilitation. As we are gathered today, we are not only celebrating sportsmanship, but we are also acknowledging the powerful role that sport plays in transforming lives, especially those who are incarcerated.”
The tournament culminated in a vibrant awards ceremony where inmates were presented with medals and essential items to support their daily needs. Whawha Medium Prison, emerged as the dominant force, claiming the majority of the awards. The competition also saw notable performances from the Whawha Young Offenders Prison, the only facility in Zimbabwe dedicated to young offenders, as well as teams from Connemara, Gokwe, Kwekwe, Zvishavane, and Mberengwa Prisons, each contributing to the tournament’s competitive edge.
4-H Zimbabwe has been using sports around communities in Zimbabwe with the aim to promote social inclusion. The organization has held sports tournaments at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare intending to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Closing the event, the Officer Commanding ZPCS Midlands Province, Commissioner Gate, expressed his appreciation for the athletes, coaches, and visitors. He acknowledged the significant role of the 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation in supporting the rehabilitation goals of ZPCS, which seek to prepare inmates for a positive reentry into society.