Matabeleland wheelchair tennis receives timely boost
BULAWAYO - Is it human nature to feel uncomfortable when one is confronted by the sight of seriously disabled persons?
That’s the way this correspondent felt after walking into the Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC), along 12th Avenue in the City of Bulawayo, 15 March, 2010.
Cluttered about the wide shaded porch leading to an impressive array of well tended tennis courts, wheel chair bound adolescent males and females waited for dignitaries to arrive.
However, apprehensions soon dissolved as it became delightfully evident that these supposedly introvert and helpless people were in fact very friendly, besides being capable of some rather amazing sporting feats.
The occasion was a handing-over ceremony of wheelchairs, which have been specially designed for disabled tennis players. Indeed, displayed before the podium was a neat line of spanking brand new chairs of the type.
The presentation ceremony began precisely at 2 - o – clock. After devotions, a representative from the Ministry of Education officially handed over the chairs. King George VI Centre in Bulawayo was the chief beneficiary, having had by far the largest number of athletes present.
It therefore seemed most appropriate when the institution’s Principal, Mrs. P Hadebe, was chosen to receive the donation.
Prior to receiving the gift, Matebeleland Wheelchair, Tennis Association (MWTA), faced the dire prospect of ceasing operations, due to the fact that most of its members, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, had no functioning chairs.
On learning about the Organisation’s plight, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) purchased 11 of the specifically manufactured chairs and had them shipped to Zimbabwe. Ferrying these to Bulawayo proved to be a logistical challenge, but through the generosity The Association of Business (ABUZ), the deed was done.
Later, as his charges dashed about the courts in their shiny chairs, displaying spirited tennis activity, MWTA, Class One Coach, Mr. Petros Ndlovu, traced the arduous route which had led to the event’s successful conclusion. In his closing remarks, he expressed sincere gratitude to all those involved with bringing the wheelchairs to Bulawayo, giving particular recognition to ZDDT, for the role it had played behind the scenes during the exercise.
ZDDT, a “hands on,” people centred organization, based in the City of Bulawayo, through various initiatives, co-operates with elected Councillors and their Community Action Teams (CAT’s), in restoring local communities.