WITH anticipation building, Zimbabwe, in its capacity as the current Chair of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), is making final preparations to host the prestigious Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Southern Region Senior Championships next month.
The event is set to take place on July 26 to 27, at the University of Zimbabwe Athletics Track in Harare.
The biennial regional athletics fixture promises to be a powerful showcase of athletic prowess, regional unity and collaboration in sport, attracting top-tier athletes from across the southern African region.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president, Tendai Tagara, expressed the nation's readiness to host the regional event.
"Zimbabwe is ready. As Sadc chair and host, we are proud to open our doors to the region. Every detail — from logistics to competition — is being finalised. The nation stands behind our athletes and we look forward to hosting a successful and inspiring championship," he said.
The Championships will run under the unifying theme, One Track. One Region. One Dream. The slogan encapsulates the shared aspirations of the southern African athletics community.
To date, a strong contingent of federations has confirmed their participation, highlighting the region's enthusiasm for the event.
These include Zambia, Malawi, Seychelles, Lesotho, Angola, Mozambique, Mauritius, Eswatini, and the host nation, Zimbabwe.
- Nurse aides call for recognition
- Tagara re-elected into Confederation of African Athletics Council committee
- All set for NAAZ Junior Championships.
- 60 shortlisted for African Junior Athletics champs
Keep Reading
Further confirmations from the remaining Sadc member federations are expected in the coming days, ensuring a comprehensive regional representation, organisers said.
NAAZ secretary-general Cynthia Phiri underscored the significance of the event.
"This event is about regional excellence, collaboration and celebrating the spirit of Sadc youth. Harare 2025 will be a proud moment for African athletics and a milestone for our hosting legacy," she said.
The Southern Region Senior Championships are more than just a competition; they are a vital platform for elite athletes. The event provides critical exposure and crucial qualification opportunities for those aiming to compete in global athletics competitions.
Hosting this event under Zimbabwe's Sadc chairmanship further enhances its diplomatic and cultural importance, fostering stronger ties within the region.
Attendees can anticipate two days of exhilarating top-class performances, vibrant opening and closing ceremonies, and various community-driven initiatives that will undoubtedly foster a strong atmosphere of continental pride, organisers say.
