Statement by Senator David Coltart
1st September 2011
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture I would like to welcome you to the African Olympic Qualifier in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
This tournament is a build up to the 2012 London Olympics, with the winners in the men’s and women’s competition gaining automatic qualification into the Olympics for the Africa Zone. The runner up from this tournament will go through to a further qualifying tournament.
Zimbabwe hockey has a rich history, with hockey having been played in the country for many years. The country’s successes are highlighted by the famous “Golden Girls†who won gold at the 1980 Olympic Games. Hockey has been played at a high level in Zimbabwe’s schools and it is hoped that with the revival of the club structures and development of hockey facilities, such as the Khumalo Hockey Stadium, that the game will go from strength to strength.
The game of hockey is gaining popularity amongst African nations, and the quality of the participating teams will ensure that spectators will be treated to entertaining hockey. It will be a challenge for the participating teams to achieve the ultimate goal of Olympic qualification.
I would like to thank the Minister of Finance, the Hon Tendai Biti MP, and his Ministry, the Minister of Public Works, the Hon Joel Gabbuza, and his Ministry, the City of Bulawayo, the Local Organising Committee, and the many individuals involved for their efforts in ensuring that Zimbabwe could host this African Olympic Qualifier. Â I am particularly grateful to local Bulawayo Schools and Clubs and parents for their magnificent help in renovating the Stadium. This has been a wonderful team effort.
I am delighted that the tournament has attracted teams from throughout Africa. My hope is that you all have a memorable stay and that you see for yourself that Zimbabwe, after a decade of trauma, is now rebuilding and is a wonderful place to visit. We certainly look forward to welcoming you all back again soon.
Good luck to all participating teams and officials at the tournament. I am sure that the efforts of all those involved will result in a marvellous and successful spectacle for hockey players, supporters and the City of Bulawayo.
Senator David Coltart
Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and CultureÂ