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Disabled athletes call for recognition |
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Monday, 20 February 2012 14:20 |
 Disabled sportspersons have appealed to government to show more respect and ensure that they get equal opportunities in sport.
The appeal was made by disabled athletes who are scheduled to go to Nairobi, Kenya to compete in a wheelchair tennis regional qualifier.
Renowned and multi-talented athlete Morleen Muza and Dorcas Hwitira say they are not getting due recognition whenever they represent the country.
The athletes say government should see disabled athletes in the same light as other able-bodied athletes as they are equally capable of winning and bringing back medals and doing the nation proud.
Disabled athlete Hwitira who was injured during a wheelchair road race says government should assist disabled sportspersons to promote sport for the disabled.
Another 23-year old University of Zimbabwe student, Nyarai Nechiturike, said her wish is to play wheelchair tennis professionally, but she does not have the equipment such as a wheelchair with the right tyres and a racquet.
The female wheelchair tennis team was chosen to represent the nation at the qualifiers because they have very little international exposure, although the country has been invited to send teams in all three categories, men, women and juniors.
The regional qualifiers are set from the 27th of February to the 3rd of March, in Nairobi and Kenya.
The team is battling to raise airfares for the trip although the International Tennis Federation has extended a grant.
Sponsors are not forthcoming to assist the team in their endeavour to make it to the qualifiers.
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