By Loyd Matare
Harare – City of Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has hailed the Sunshine City Half Marathon as a crucial step in reviving sports integrity in the capital city.
The second edition of the marathon, scheduled for October 13, will be running under the theme “Stamping out Drug and Substance Abuse.”
The city of Harare has been grappling with a surge in drug and substance abuse, leading to a cascade of economic and socio-economic challenges.
The prevalence of substance abuse has contributed to a rise in unemployment, poverty, and other economic hardships.
Many individuals, particularly the youth, turn to drugs as a means of escape from their challenging circumstances, exacerbating the problem and creating a vicious cycle.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday,
Mafume emphasized the city’s efforts to combat drug abuse through sports.
“We are fighting drugs, there is a drug pandemic in the city and one way of dealing with it is by engaging in sporting activities, it makes you build mansions and makes you live longer.
“The sports economy of Harare was underpinned by the city of Harare and we have over 13 swimming pools, over 20 stadiums (in terms of soccer).
“If we do well in maintaining our sporting facilities we will be able to create a sports economy for Harare and that will help the citizens,” Mafume said.
The marathon will feature 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km races, starting and finishing at Harare Gardens.
Mafume said Harare City was also committed to refurbishing dilapidated stadiums to meet international standards.
“Right now we have refurbished Rufaro Stadium for local standards and we are working on making it an international stadium.
“We are entering into partnerships for Mabvuku ground one to make it a good stadium likewise Gwanzura, DZ and many other sporting facilities,” said Mafume.
Harare City’s efforts to bolster sports momentum compliment’s government’s efforts to overcome FIFA’s ban on local stadia to host international matches due to dilapidated stadium infrastructure.
The ban on local stadia to host international matches has negatively impacted the development of local football and has also robbed avid soccer lovers the thrill of watching international matches.
Mafume expressed optimism that this year’s Sunshine City Half Marathon will surpass its predecessor in success.
Corporate sponsors for this year’s marathon include Pure Gold, Econet, and the City of Harare.