Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub RINGISAI Mapondera believes it’s time to reignite Zimbabwe’s Olympic dream — and he’s convinced he has the blueprint to do it. The seasoned administrator, one of two candidates eyeing the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee presidency, says he’s stepping forward with a bold agenda to improve Zimbabwe’s performance on the global stage and attract long-term funding for the Games. Mapondera will go head-to-head with incumbent president Thabani Gonye at the ZOC quadrennial general assembly on April 27, where a new executive will be elected. Having led Team Zimbabwe to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as chef de mission, Mapondera says the experience gave him new perspective on how other nations tap into sport-tourism synergies to fund Olympic participation. “There are things that I saw there that I thought, perhaps in accepting this, we can implement,” Mapondera told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “We can learn from others and try to apply the same to reignite the Olympic spirit in Zimbabwe. “We’ve always struggled as an organisation to get sponsorship just to fund Olympic participation. It’s always an issue. But what I saw were eye-opening approaches — primarily around tourism. You create synergies. “I intend, if elected, to pursue more engagement with the tourism sector. We have a lot of national parks, breathtaking scenery — and that can be showcased through the Olympics. The world is watching, and that’s a major advertising opportunity.” He believes stronger links with hotel groups, safari operators and other tourism players could unlock greater sponsorship potential. On performance, Mapondera was candid in his assessment. “I think we need to relook at our approach. What can we change? The key lies with national federations,” he said. “We shouldn’t be pulling them along — we need to walk with them. Right now, it feels like we’re dangling a carrot, but maybe we need to ask what we can do for them to help more athletes break through. “Before we even talk about medals, let’s talk about numbers. In Paris, I saw it — our representation was very low. I’m hopeful we can increase those numbers because, at the end of the day, the Olympics is about the athlete.”