Events:
MHS Special Target Group Activities
The Mutare-Haarlem Sport leaders Program has become aware of the role that sport can play in empowering and enhancing the quality of life for the disabled. Hence we embark on inclusion, which means bringing sport and recreation to the physically and mentally disabled, and hearing and visually impaired.
The introduction of sport and providing relevant competence in the field and include relevant sport partners and sport bodies is an important target. We like to develop solid and valid structures for spreading and sustaining activities in the country. The disabled have been marginalized and are the most underprivileged in all spheres of life. They have experienced unquestionable discrimination, abuse and neglect due to negative attitude from society. Generally, little effort had been done before to involve the disabled in organized recreation, competitions or sport activities. This special target group initiative was formed in a partnership between the Mutare-Haarlem Sport Leaders, Manicaland Sports Association the Disability. All the disabled are classified in four sport categories. Every year MHS organizes a Disable Festival. The festival give disabled also the possibility to meet and socialize.
Physically disabled groups
They usually participate in sporting activities such sitting volleyball, netball (using crashes), tenball, basketball, wheelchair
Sports such as wheelchair tennis and hockey are not yet introduced in Mutare because wheelchairs are not available and affordable.
Though wheelchair basketball sometimes takes place around Zimbabwe but in Mutare, Sport leaders have never organized such an event because they can’t provide the wheelchair.
We are working with an institute that is rehabilitating the physically disabled people, which is called Lowdon Lodge
Hearing impaired
In Mutare there are a number of institutions for hearing impaired children which are; Nzeve Deaf Centre, Elim School, Chirowakamwe Primary School, Sakubva Primary School, Chikanga Primary School and Sanganai Deaf Club, the Sport leaders conduct sports activities once a week on each institute
Sports activities which are usually participated in are; volleyball, athletics, handball, soccer, ten ball and field events.
Mentally Challenged people
Activities, volleyball, handball, soccer, netball, field events
Institutes
Visually Impaired
Activities: Goal Ball, Blind Cricket
Challenges
Accessibility and affordability of special sport equipment for the above mentioned categories.
Last year’s major events for the disabled people which were held in Mutare:
Partners
Manicaland Sports Association for People with Disability
National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe
6 Sport leaders assist in conducting activities in Mutare