Treat Sport As Business: SRC

By Steve Ephraem

SPORTS and Recreation Commission has urged sport administrators and technical staff to treat sport as business.

This came out at a sport development workshop that was held by Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) in Ministry of Health boardroom at Chipinge Government Complex in Chipinge on June 23, 2022.

The ZOC and SRC team comprised of SRC’s Recreation and Provincial Coordinator, Sheperd Mukanhairi, ZOC Administrator Sipiwe Nyamande Kahiya, ZOC-NIF Programs Officer Lawrence Kamukapa and ZOC intern Alexandr Rocancourt (from France).

In his presentation, Sheperd Mukanhairi emphasised the need for sport administrators to manage sport the way they do commercial businesses.

“Many sport and recreation organisations are well documented and well organised in theory. The problem comes when administrators fail to put into practice what is laid down in their organisation documents.

“There is dire need for practical shift from social to professional sport and recreation management. Need for increased accountability of sport and recreation organisation executives at both individual and collective levels.

“Therefore, sensible financial management is important. Does the sport and recreation organisation have books of accounts, bank account? Are the books audited and free for inspection by staff, members, volunteers and other people?” asked Mukanhairi.

The SRC coordinator further encouraged people to establish sport clubs at grassroots level and form local leagues in their respective communities. That way, it will help communities to participate in district as well as provincial associations.

He went further to challenge sport administrators to produce brands especially of sports persons who are still youthful. That way, the national teams is ensured of acquiring talent that comes from grassroots level.

The sport development tour will see the ZOC and SRC team hold a training workshop at Rating Middle Sabi Estate on June 24 before winding up with the one that will be held at Tongogara Refugee Camp on June 25.