Marondera- Residents here converged on Landas Grounds this weekend for a major Sports Gala, an event spearheaded by Ward 14 councilor and Marondera Mayor Jeremiah Gwanzura as a direct intervention in the fight against drug and substance abuse among youths.

The event, which featured soccer and netball tournaments aimed at uniting and positively engaging young people from the constituency.

In an address, Mayor Gwanzura emphasized the urgent need to curb the scourge of drugs in Mashonaland East Province. He stated the gala was a direct response to national calls for action as stated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Said Mayor Gwanzura in an address to the participants and scores of residents who attended the gala:

“We’re following what President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been preaching in the country for young people to stay away from drugs and substance abuse,” Gwanzura told reporters. “So we have to introduce sports and projects so that youths have something to do.”

The initiative received praise from participants who commended the Mayor for his efforts to rally youths through sports and developmental projects.

The tournament concluded with significant prizes intended to sustain the momentum beyond the playing field. The Tenda Village Netball Team emerged victorious, winning a trophy, medals, netballs, cash, and a unique prize of 2,000 chicks for poultry projects.

In the men’s soccer division, Mbuya Emma Constituency won a large trophy, soccer balls, medals, and cash. A player from the winning team, Flackson Mavhura, endorsed the strategy, calling for more activities that unite youths to combat drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.

To encourage widespread participation, every team that took part in the Sports Gala received soccer balls, netballs, and cash.

The event was supported by the Rufaro Zonde Gwanzura Foundation, which played a key role in its execution.