Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Sarah Bennett and Kays Kanyangarara have been appointed technical officials for Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday confirmed the names of the technical delegates, technical officials, umpires’ managers, umpires and medical officers who have been appointed to next year’s Olympic Games.
And Bennett and Kanyangarara are among the technical officials that will grace the Games.
Bennett, who is the only female from Africa that has been appointed technical official expressed her excitement and gratitude.
“To be able to represent FIH, Africa and Zimbabwe as a whole at this prestigious tournament is an absolute honour.
“Achievements like this only come with hard work, dedication and commitment. There are many hours of learning, tears and emotions.
“It’s all part of the journey. The support of my family, friends, my employers Ariel School, where I am deputy headmistress and my hockey family make these achievements possible. ‘The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.’ — Brian Herbert.
“It’s my hope that my successes at various levels will inspire the next generation to strive and follow their dreams,” said Bennett.
Bennett, who is also Hockey Association of Zimbabwe secretary general, made another milestone at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games when she was appointed a judge for the Men’s Gold Medal match between Australia and Belgium.
Kanyangarara said getting such recognition is an honour.
“It’s a great honour for any sports-person. Going to the Olympics I think it’s any sports-person’s dream, and even though it’s not going as a player but even just as a technical official that in itself is a milestone.
“And I think it bodes well for us as a nation because obviously when we are going we are representing our country and you are counted amongst the elite.
“So it’s good and just shows that we as Zimbabwe have the capacity to match the standards at any level.”