Zimbabwean president hails Coventry as Africa's pride

Harare, March 26 -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Tuesday that Kirsty Coventry's election as International Olympic Committee (IOC) president demonstrates Africa's readiness to lead in global sports.

Speaking at a State House banquet honoring Coventry in the capital on Tuesday night, Mnangagwa emphasized sport's power to unite humanity through shared vision and purpose.

"The victory of Honorable Coventry is, thus, not only a source of inspiration and pride for Zimbabwe but for the SADC region and Africa as a whole," said Mnangagwa.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) comprises 16 southern African nations working toward regional socio-economic and political cooperation.

Coventry, a decorated Olympian, m...