Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games (ZNPG)

In an effort to promote the rights of people living with disabilities, the SRC introduced the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games which are a National platform for those living with disabilities to participate in sport and recreational activities of their choice. This project came into being in 2008 in Bulawayo with four provinces initially participating in the Games and ever since then, all the provinces have been taking part in the Games. The Games have provided those with disabilities with an opportunity to showcase their sporting talents. The Games include some of the following sporting disciplines:

• Football for deaf, Five – Aside Football for the intellectually challenged (high and low ability),
• Netball for the deaf,
• Goal ball,
• Athletics for the amputees, Visually Impaired, Intellectually Challenged,
• Wheelchair Basketball and
• Wheelchair Tennis.

The ZNPG are used as the platform to select athletes for the International Paralympics and Special Olympics Games.

The objectives of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games are;

• To facilitate selection and development of sport talent for athletes with a disability towards regional and international participation.
• To stimulate growth and development of sports among the disabled persons in Zimbabwe
• To promote sport for All using the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games brand
• To create pathways for talent development and uptake facility within the disabled persons in Zimbabwe.

Republic of Zimbabwe: – Implemented in 10 Provinces and 72 districts.

• Full membership

The ZNPG has managed to gain status in the International Paralympics Committee (since 2011)

• Community Sport Clubs

The ZNPG program helped in the realization of the Community Sport clubs concept through the inclusion policy.

• Participation of Team Zimbabwe in Competitions

The ZNPG has helped Zimbabwe develop and select a team to participate in AUSC Region 5 Under 20 Youth Games and All Africa Games.

• Life-skills development

Apart from sport competitions the athletes and officials are exposed social issues that affect their lives through edutainment there by facilitating the emergence of life skill development.

• Realization of a National strategy

SRC developed a strategy aimed at stimulating growth and development of sport among people living with a disability in Zimbabwe. The project aims to continue encouraging the disabled to adopt sport as part of their lives.