Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Sports Reporter
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) is preparing for a major celebration of sporting success, with Bindura ready to host two major events honouring the nation’s top performers in athletics.
The 2025 Athletics Excellence Awards are scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Bindura University, following the National Cross Country Championships earlier in the day. The combined events will bring together elite athletes, coaches, administrators, journalists, and partners from all corners of Zimbabwe.
Held under the theme “A Double Dose of Excellence in Bindura,” the occasion will recognize the country’s best male and female athletes, promising young stars, hardworking coaches, dedicated officials, and supportive media personnel. Top-performing provinces and corporate sponsors will also receive awards for their roles in promoting the sport.
The Awards embody Passion, Progress, and Pride, principles that underline NAAZ’s mission to advance athletic excellence and unity nationwide.
Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Cross Country Championships, before transitioning into the awards gala later in the day, providing a fitting finale to a year of remarkable sporting achievement.
Bindura University is hosting the celebration in collaboration with NAAZ’s provincial structures and sponsors. Those interested in sponsorship or participation can contact NAAZ’s Gweru office on 10th Street or email marketing@naaz.org.zw.
Excitement is building as athletes and supporters across Zimbabwe gear up for this grand celebration of achievement both on and off the field.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madanyika confirmed that the Interprovincial Cross Country Championships will be organized by the Mashonaland Central Athletics Board at Bindura University. The event rotates annually between provinces, with Harare having hosted the last edition in February.
“Bindura University is ready to host all provinces, and it’s fitting for them as the National Sports Academy to hold such a prestigious event,” Madanyika said.
He added that the November date was strategically chosen to give selected athletes enough preparation time for the upcoming World Championships in Tallahassee, USA.
“This event will serve as a selection platform for athletes representing Team Zimbabwe. Holding it in November allows coaches and athletes to fine-tune their training before competing internationally,” he explained.
All provinces are expected to field teams, with strong participation anticipated from the host region and neighbouring provinces such as Harare and Mashonaland East.
“We expect full participation, particularly from the host and nearby provinces,” Madanyika noted.
He also revealed that provincial boards are working to secure sponsorships to support travel, accommodation, and kits for their athletes.
“We’re engaging potential sponsors to help us send more athletes, as we’ll need resources for transport, meals, and uniforms,” he added.
The upcoming double celebration in Bindura marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean athletics, a moment to honour dedication, talent, and teamwork across all levels of the sport. By combining the National Cross Country Championships with the Athletics Excellence Awards, NAAZ is not only celebrating past achievements but also inspiring future champions.
As provinces rally behind their athletes and preparations reach their final stages, all eyes are on Bindura, where passion, progress, and pride will take centre stage in showcasing the very best of Zimbabwe’s athletic spirit.
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