The ManicaPost
Ray Bande recently at Troutbeck Resort, NYANGA
SPORTS tourism has a significant impact on the economic growth of cities across the globe.
It creates job opportunities, increase tax revenue, boosts local businesses and attracts new businesses to the area.
International tourism product, Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, is no exception!
The Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union (ATU) Cup is the longest standing event of this kind on the African continent.
The Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Cup celebrated its 16th anniversary last weekend as an International Triathlon Union (ITU) sanctioned Continental Cup event.
The main reason why this event is held at this location is that the water is super clean and is free from any waterborne diseases emanating from animal or human waste.
It is World Health Organisation (WHO) approved and tests are conducted by laboratory partners following the stringent World Triathlon rules, regulations and standards.
Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Cup websites notes: “As the safety of all athletes is the paramount consideration, please be rest assured that the water at Troutbeck Resort meets ALL standards as required. The water quality tests are done in required timeframes and a further test was conducted two weeks prior to the event.”
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Emily Jesaya said: “To the Triathlon Zimbabwe team, allow me to appreciate your efforts in furthering the sport in Zimbabwe.
“This event is now among the renowned sporting events in Zimbabwe, contributing positively towards the country’s initiative of promoting sports tourism.
“My ministry will continue, as it has been, pursuing initiatives that promote participation of all citizens in sports and recreation activities. In this regard, the hosting of major sporting event such as the Troutbeck ATU Cup is among the strategic pillars that will foster the realisation of this desired outcome.”
Even though at least 30 athletes for both the elites and juniors from across the world registered to compete, which is a huge slump from the 51 that took part in last year’s edition, the value of brand ambassadors from participants from Algeria, Ireland, Romania, Japan and the Netherlands, that country added this year can never be underestimated.
No wonder Jesaya said: “I hope that our visiting athletes drawn from other nations have all enjoyed their travel to Zimbabwe and experienced our warm hospitality, natural environment and friendly people.
“I am confident that because of this experience, you have become our brand ambassadors, to your families and nations. Please play the story of our hospitality which is anchored on our philosophy of ubuntu/hunhu.”
This year marks the sixth anniversary for Bonaqua still water as the official title sponsor, although Coca-Cola has been involved with the sport for nine years with Schweppes water.
The Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Cup is sanctioned as a world ranking qualifying points for elite athletes within the ITU ranking system.
This means that the points scored by elite athletes will ultimately become Olympic ranking qualification points for Olympics 2024.
Coca Cola franchise manager, Barry Otieno said: “As the sun sets over the majestic hills of Troutbeck, Nyanga, we gather here to celebrate the culmination of an exhilarating journey — the 2024 Bonaqua Triathlon Cup.
“This 16th edition has been nothing short extraordinary, fuelled by determination, camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship. Triathlon is a celebration of human resilience and the pursuit of excellence.
“It embodies the spirit of unit, pushing boundaries and embracing challenges head on. We witnessed athletes from across the world converging here to swim, cycle and run their hearts out.
“And what a spectacular venue! Troutbeck, with its emerald green hills mirrored lakes and crisp mountain air, provides the perfect canvass for this sporting spectacle. As we breathe in freshness, let us also not forget to inhale the lessons this landscape offers. The lessons of persistence, adaptability and unity.”
The Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Cup is, not only very important to the young athletes as they make their way as they begin their careers, but provides platform for domestic tourism as well.
Mutare-based participant, Mandlenkosi Mthethwa said: “Triathlon is not really something that I do with the aim to make a living out of the career. No! If anything, it is about the passion that I have for the sport. The conditions here at Troutbeck Resort as well provide an ideal platform for strenuous competition and I love that.”
Apart from the elite and junior races, traditionally other supporting events on the day included an African Cross-Triathlon (Off-Road) Championship, Cimas Corporate Triathlon Challenge, Zimbabwe Triathlon Championships over a number of events, Tri-Kidz and Trisports triathlon, Aquathlon (run-swim-run) and an Open Water Swim, all under the banner of the Bonaqua Troutbeck Multisport Festival.
