Walk of Hope Nears Gweru Finish as Senator Backs Inclusive Sports Park Vision
The Walk of Hope advocacy team reached Gweru, marking a major milestone in their nationwide trek for disability inclusion in sport. With less than 100 kilometres left, the initiative drew strong political support, including Senator Annah Shiri’s endorsement of the proposed inclusive sports park along the Great Dyke. Shiri highlighted the project as a symbol of resilience and equal opportunity, aligning with national development priorities. Recognition was also given to Midlands Minister Owen Ncube for his provincial leadership. The campaign has amplified conversations around disability rights and is now a national call to action, with growing appeals for private sector investment to build accessible facilities and empower future generations.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
GWERU – A long-distance advocacy initiative pushing for disability inclusion in sport reached a major milestone in Gweru, drawing high-level political support and renewed calls for private sector investment.
The “Walk of Hope” team, which has been trekking across the country to raise awareness and mobilise resources for an inclusive sports park along the Great Dyke, arrived in the Midlands capital with less than 100 kilometres left to complete their journey.
Speaking at the reception, Senator for Disability Annah Shiri commended the team’s determination, describing the initiative as a powerful symbol of resilience and inclusion.
“This walk speaks the language I hold dear—resilience, inclusion and excellence,” she said. “A sports park on the Great Dyke is more than infrastructure; it is a declaration that every young person, disabled or not, belongs in the arena.”
The proposed facility is envisioned as a fully accessible sports complex, incorporating features such as ramps, rails, adaptive changing rooms and equipment tailored for para-sport athletes.
Senator Shiri said the project aligns with national development priorities anchored on inclusivity and equal opportunity, echoing the vision of Emmerson Mnangagwa to “leave no one behind.”
The event also saw recognition of Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, who was recently named second runner-up Top Provincial Minister for 2025 at the 2026 Performance Contracts Signing and Awards Ceremony.
Shiri praised Ncube’s leadership, saying the award reflects “a tireless drive for development and unity in the province.”
As the Walk of Hope campaign gains traction, stakeholders are increasingly calling on businesses to step in and support the initiative.
“There is a clear opportunity for the private sector to invest in something transformative,” Shiri said. “From accessible facilities to coaching and equipment, this is about building a legacy that empowers future generations.”
Organisers say the walk has already succeeded in amplifying conversations around disability rights, while demonstrating that barriers can be overcome through collective effort.
“You have turned adversity into purpose and hope into action,” Shiri told the team. “Your initiative proves that disability is not inability.”
With the final stretch ahead, the Walk of Hope team says it remains focused on completing the journey while continuing to mobilise resources for the ambitious project.
As they press forward, the message from Gweru was clear: the movement has grown beyond a walk—it is now a national call to action for inclusive development.
