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We are the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee – An organization inspired by the timeless power of sport to create a universal language that promotes peace and unity.
Our primary goal is to develop and protect the Olympic Movement in Zimbabwe in alignment to the guidance provided in the Olympic Charter. As an umbrella sports organisation, we have 32 National Federations affiliated to us on a voluntary basis and have coordinated and organised Zimbabwe’s representation at a number of International Sports Competitions.
VISION: To inspire the nation and making a positive difference to society through Olympism and Olympic success.
MISSION: To protect and promote the Olympic movement in Zimbabwe and beyond in accordance with the Olympic Charter; achieved through our programs, activities, quality participation and performance at Olympic Games and other International sport competitions, in collaboration with other members and partners of the global Olympic movement, while maintaining responsible autonomy.
In 1934, the Rhodesia Olympic Committee was formed. Unfortunately, due to the racial policies of the colonial government at the time there was no participation of the majority black people in its structures and teams. The Committee was subsequently suspended from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1972 to 1979, with suspension only lifting at Independence in 1980. With its re-entry into the International arena, the body was renamed the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC).
During ZOC’s first representation in the 1980 Moscow Games, Zimbabwe was able to attain its first Olympic Gold medal in women’s field hockey. Change in terms of racial balance and representation swiftly followed when a few years later, the Government of Zimbabwe in 1982, applied and was granted authority by the IOC to dissolve the ZOC Board and appoint the Tommy Sithole lead executive. This move was instrumental in addressing the racial representation in the national associations. Zimbabwe has since participated in all subsequent Summer Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games and 1 Winter Olympic Games.
ZOC has gone on to receive the mandate from the government to be the organizing agent for Zimbabwe’s representation in other international competitions, such as the All Africa Games and Commonwealth Games. As such, Zimbabwe’s inaugural representation in the All Africa Games came in Nairobi, Kenya (1987) and the nation has participated in all other continental Games since. Zimbabwe has also had the privilege and honour of successfully hosting the 1995 6th All Africa Games in Harare under the leadership of the then ZOC President Tommy Sithole.
At ZOC we believe that our nation’s participation on the Olympic platform is not only an honour but a celebration of our resilience, pride, and excellence. This is at the heart of the spirit of Olympism which is anchored on friendship, solidarity, and fair play. We are proud to be the torch bearers of these beliefs in the Zimbabwean society as they cut across all sectors of society and encapsulate the true spirit of the Olympic Movement and its great potential to unite people through sport, build peace and generate inclusivity. As an organisation, therefore, we hold true to a set of core beliefs that celebrate the spirit of Olympism and these are:
We embrace ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, clean sport and foster mutual respect in discharging our responsibilities.
We commit to achieving the highest standards and to succeeding in all spheres.
We commit to cooperating and collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve our set goals.
We facilitate and encourage non-discriminatory participation, management and governance in sport.
We commit to and invest in creativity and continuous improvement.
We are governed by a constitution and hold a General Assembly annually. This structure is our highest decision-making organ. In between General Assemblies, the Executive Board takes charge of ZOC business. The Board is elected every four years in the year following the Olympic Games. However, the constitution has a provision for co-option of Board Members to address anomalies in representation. Commissions are appointed by the Board to ensure effective discharge of the Board’s responsibilities; currently there are 11 ZOC Commissions in place, all functioning effectively.
ZOC also has a Secretariat of six full-time staff members headed by the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary General. Additionally, like many other sporting organisations in Zimbabwe, we benefit considerably from the involvement of tireless and passionate volunteers.
© Zimbabwe Olympic Comittee 2020 – All rights reserved.
