Zim Achievers USA to honour Maimba Mapuranga and several young achievers at upcoming gala

Former ZTV presenter and founder of Kutting Edge Sport, Maimba Mapuranga will receive the Zim Achievers Ambassador Award and honorary patronage, for services rendered nationally and internationally, ZAA International has announced.

The organisation is also honouring five young achievers who are excelling in art, sports and business.

Kutting Edge was founded in 2011 with the aim of promoting sports development and sports activities among young children and youths in children's care homes across Zimbabwe.

The non-profit initiative has been directly responsible for organising the annual arts and sports event  called Celebrate the Children Sport and Arts Festival, held in Harare. They work with orphans and vulnerable children, especially children living in children's homes from all over Zimbabwe.

This year, the event was officially opened by Zimbabwe's first lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa and saw over 700 children, who live in children's homes countrywide participating in a three-day sports gala.

ZAA Chairman, Conrad Mwanza said that Maimba is an exceptional individual whose leadership and passion for youth empowerment is both inspiring and admirable.

"Maimba's influence to the arts and sports industry, together with his fearless and creative spirit is shaping the future of children. Celebrate Sport, for the last seven years, has been empowering disadvantaged and marginalised children. This program has benefitted young children mentally, physically and emotionally.

It is fantastic to see an organisation whose focus is on ensuring that the psychosocial rehabilitation and overall needs of vulnerable children are met," he added.

Mwanza also acknowledged the hard work of young achievers who are excelling in their respective disciplines, adding that it is important that the hard work and achievements of this year's young honourees is highlighted.

"We ought to recognise and celebrate the difference these young people are making in the wider community.

I have enormous respect for all of them and feel that the challenges and successes they face are not always recognised. They are role models for their generation and we are truly proud of the work they are doing."

Meanwhile, voting for this year's nominees is currently underway and will close on 20 September. Winners will be revealed at the Zim Achievers gala on September 29.

The awards were established in 2010 and continue to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and organisations in fields that include business, sport, entertainment, arts and culture.

Profiles of this year's nominees are on the Zim Achievers website and detail the remarkable work and achievements of this year's shortlisted candidates.

The ceremony will take place at the Gaithersburg Marriott hotel.The spectacular lakeside hotel has scenic views and is within walking distance of the popular RIO Washingtonian Center.

 Tickets are on sale for $75 until 14 September and will go up to $85 thereafter.

The ZAA annual gala dinner has become the society red carpet event and the most popular date on the Zimbabwean community calendar in the UK, South Africa, Australia and the US. There are plans to expand to Canada in the coming months.

HONARARY AWARDS

YOUNG ACHIEVERS
1. Tariro Kandemiri
2. Ru Chibanda - 12 year old Gymnast
3. Nyasha Zimunhu - PA
4. 2 Bros in the Kitchen
5. Danielle Sebata