Nkosilathi Sibanda, nkosilathi.sibanda@chronicle.co.zw
THE Binga Kasambabezi Half Marathon proved that sporting events are among the ideal platforms to advocate wildlife conservation.
This was witnessed at the sixth edition of the 21km race in Binga, Matabeleland North last Saturday where crowds came to cheer athletes competing for the top prize. The event was aptly themed ‘Running for our wildlife conservation’ in a move that was meant to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife and animal welfare.
Race organisers partnered with various animal conservationists to use athletics to promote the campaign. There was no better event to do this than the Binga Kasambabezi Half Marathon, given that communities in Binga share the environment with wildlife. Country communications officer for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Luckmore Safuli, said being part of the marathon was a way of using popular sporting events to help communities be aware of critical factors to do with animal conservation. IFAW sponsored rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) who took part in the race.
“We are proud to have supported the participation of more than 20 ZimParks wildlife rangers at this year’s edition of the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon. We were at the marathon to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and to inspire positive action towards wildlife protection.
Poaching, habitat loss and climate change are some of the greatest threats to the survival of wildlife in Zimbabwe,” said Safuli.
He said it was incumbent for communities to continue using sports as a vehicle to tackle issues.
“There is need for a collective effort to conserve our wildlife heritage and for us sporting events such as the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon are perfect platforms to raise awareness and to inspire collective action.”
He praised race organisers, saying they did a good job in promoting the well-being of athletes, in particular rangers.
“Given the demanding nature of their job, it is critical for them to prioritise physical fitness. We thank the Binga Kasambabezi Half Marathon team for their efforts in making sure they organise such a competition that was beneficial to all.
“As IFAW, we are collaborating with our partners in all our priority landscapes to enhance ranger welfare and well-being,” he said.
Chairperson of the race’s organisers Recent Ncube told Zimpapers Sports Hub that they decided to focus on wildlife conservation as this was one topic that resonates well with the people of Binga.
“Here is a marathon that prides on being an event done and organised by the people of Binga. These are communities that share the natural habitat with wildlife. As such, it was prudent we use the race to push the agenda to athletes to come both as competitors and tourist to the place,” said Ncube.
Although the Zimparks rangers failed to make it to the podium list, they deservedly showed commitment to the race, as they all finished all the distances, they took part in.
IFAW, according to Safuli, has championed the cause of encouraging rangers to take part in various community events.
To that end, they have continued to support Zimparks in their wildlife conservation programmes.
Meanwhile, Isaac Mpofu was the winner of this year’s Binga Kasambabezi Half Marathon.
He finished in 1 hour 8 minutes and 16 seconds. Chiedza Chokore won in the women’s race in 1 hour 35 minutes and 40 seconds. — @NkosieLegend