SPORTS minister Kirsty Coventry has hailed businessman Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya for his part in the development of sport in the country.
Sakupwanya through his BetterBrands (Private Limited) company, yesterday donated a brand new boxing ring to the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wresting Control Board (ZNBWCB) — the first boxing ring that the board now owns.
The handover ceremony was held at the National Sports Stadium, and attended by several former and current boxing stars including Alphonso Zvenyika, Monalisa Sibanda, and government officials.
In a speech read on her behalf, Coventry applauded Sakupwanya before challenging other corporates and businesses to emulate the gesture and help in the development of sport in the country.
“This donation is a significant milestone in the history of boxing in Zimbabwe as for the first time the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board has the much-needed boxing equipment that will see the development of boxing in our communities,” Coventry said.
“My ministry is committed to continue supporting boxing and other combat sports. Boxing has put the country on the limelight as is highlighted by the recent successes, the recent visit of Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and the hosting of the World Boxing Council interim super bantamweight championship.”
Sakupwanya facilitated the visit of the boxing legend Mayweather into the country last month.
“On behalf of the ZNBWCB, I would want to express gratitude in a special way to BetterBrands who came on board and donated the boxing ring. Our encouragement to other corporates and businesses is to come on board and support sport through such donations towards provision of sport infrastructure. The donation of the boxing ring will contribute towards improving boxing perfomance,” added Coventry.
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BetterBrands are also involved in football, and are the principal sponsors for premier league side Yadah Stars.
The company has also hosted numerous development and school football tournaments in Mabvuku, Harare, over the years.
“I have seen and witnessed a lot of talent in the community and my heart always wished to put a significant mark in the development of our community through sport and other initiatives,” said Sakupwanya in a speech read on his behalf.
“My motivation to donate this boxing ring has been drawn from the fact that boxing has in recent years become a topical issue. As such I have committed myself to partner for the growth of both the sport and the sportsmen. The donation will go a long way in empowering our youths with skills, thereby reducing and addressing issues such as drug and substance abuse,” he added.
