By Nick Butler

Athletes shared their experiences at the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Sports Journalism Forum in Harare ©ZOCA sports journalist forum hosted by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has taken place in order to facilitate greater cooperation with media representatives in the African country. 


Hosted at the ZOC headquarters in Harare, a total of 25 journalists attended the two-day event to "discuss important topics in the industry and address barriers to the coverage of sport".

Speaking during the event, ZOC President Admire Masenda claimed local media could help drive sport in the country and help the sporting industry achieve its full potential to become a major employer.

"Our expectation is to see and hear more of journalists on what is going on in the sporting world," he said. 

"ZOC is pleased to host this small but significant workshop in its bid to make an all round positive difference through it's programmes and activities.

"We hope to enlighten you on the role of the organisation as well as highlight important and progressive aspects in sport such as developments in sport science and the anti-doping aspect.

"This activity is aligned to the ZOC strategic objectives of capacity development to facilitate the inclusion of sports journalists in at least eight technical courses for coaches and administration courses by 2015." 

A Sports Journalism Forum organised by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee was designed to show how the media could help develop sport in the country ©ZOCA Sports Journalism Forum organised by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee was designed to show how the media could help develop sport in the country ©ZOC

Among other speakers was the ZOC chief executive Anna Mguni, who introduced the work of the National Olympic Committee and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), who were represented by their director general Robert Nhemachena.

Former ZOC chief executive Robert Mutsauki also presented on media management and relations and encouraged sport and media practitioners "to work in partnership and appreciate each others complementary roles".

Presentations were also given by two Zimbabwean Olympians, rower Micheen Thornycroft and marathon runner Abel Chimukoko, who competed at London 2012 and Athens 2004 respectively, to provide a more intimate look into competing at the highest level. 

Other presenters included Debbie Jeans, President of the Judo Association of Zimbabwe, on the importance of sport science and psychology for peak performance, Dr. Nick Munyonga on doping in sport, and ZOC marketing director Hugo Ribatika on sport sponsorship and integration.

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