By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
AS the 2026 sports calendar kicks off, Loveness Nemaramba , District Sports Officer, has called on athletes, coaches, and sports stakeholders to unite in building a vibrant and competitive sporting culture in Beitbridge.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network Nemaramba said, her message goes beyond competition, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to promote discipline, professional coaching, wellness, and holistic youth development.
“Athletes should remain committed, train diligently, and uphold sportsmanship. Coaches should continue to mentor with passion and professionalism, while schools, organisations, and community groups are encouraged to support and invest in sports programs, wellness initiatives, and drug-free lifestyle campaigns in line with NDS1 & NDS2. Together, we can make our district a model of sporting excellence, inclusivity, community wellness, and responsible athlete development,” she said.
Reflecting on challenges from 2025, Nemaramba acknowledged, “Last year, limited financial and material resources, low community participation, facility shortages, and incidents related to drug misuse affected program implementation. This year, we plan to strengthen partnerships with local authorities, corporates, and NGOs, increase community engagement, improve facilities, and intensify education and counselling programs,”she said
Key initiatives for 2026 include the establishment of a District Athletics Club to nurture talent from schools and community events.
The district will also host competitions targeting women and girls to promote gender equity and empowerment, alongside participation in the VP Mohadi Games, Junior Championships, and Junior National Competitions.
Football remains a focus, with social, Division 1, and Division 2 leagues set to be closely monitored for smooth and sustainable operations.
Addressing youth welfare, Nemaramba highlighted the fight against substance abuse.
“We will integrate drug and substance awareness campaigns into all major district sporting events and school programs to promote healthy lifestyles and safeguard athlete welfare,” she said.
With a strong emphasis on grassroots development, inclusive participation, and athlete pathways, Nemaramba urged the community to work together to make Beitbridge a model of sporting excellence and community wellness in 2026.