….new sports centre will benefit community and students
Staff Reporter
THE Marlborough community, in collaboration with Irene Christian College (ICC) and the City of Harare, has initiated a ground-breaking project to develop the community grounds along Admiral Tait Road, aimed at creating a multifaceted sports centre.
The new sports centre will cater for athletics, soccer, netball and various other sporting activities.
This transformative endeavor is set to benefit both the students of ICC and the residents of the Marlborough community, marking a significant step towards addressing the need for improved recreational facilities and combating issues such as drug and substance abuse among the youth.
Ward 41 Marlborough Harare Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are actually very excited as a community to partner with Irene Christian College on the community sports center. It was raised at a feedback meeting where the junior mayor highlighted issues related to drug and substance abuse by youths in the community and stressed the need to improve recreational facilities.
“Sports are crucial for the community, and the owner of Irene Christian College volunteered to construct the community center if the council provided the land. The school has already made significant progress by developing the soccer grounds and the netball court, and they have plans to build a community swimming pool and basketball courts for the community’s benefit,” said Cllr Kadzombe.
One of the Marlborough residents, Mr. Makan Muzofa, commended the efforts of ICC and emphasised the positive impact the initiative has had on the community.
“Private schools have been a good thing for our community, and Irene Christian College has worked closely with the council to rehabilitate neglected areas and develop playing fields. This not only benefits the school but also the entire community. The goodwill shown by ICC has been invaluable, and we hope to see more schools and businesses getting involved in giving back to the community for the benefit of all residents,” said Mr. Muzofa.
Furthermore, Mr. Albert Zinyemba, ICC Headmaster, and Mr. Gerald Machiri, their visionary, shared their plans for the school campus, including the development of a multipurpose court for hockey, basketball, volleyball, a swimming pool, and a five-a-side soccer pitch for futsal.
These facilities are intended to be used not only by ICC students but also by other schools in the district, fostering a spirit of collaboration and healthy competition.
The sentiment of gratitude and appreciation for ICC’s contributions was echoed by another Marlborough resident, who emphasised the importance of future investments for the benefit of subsequent generations.
“It is important for us to invest in thinking of the future and the benefit to our children. ICC has contributed significantly to our area, and we look forward to engaging with them further as we work together,” said the resident.