UPAZIM

The United Programme for Athletes and Artists in Zimbabwe (UPAZIM) is a platform announced by the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recrection Kirsty Coventry aimed at providing support for both athletes and artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[1] The initiative was launched on 12 April 2020. The programme is believed to be a long term initiative but this is just the beginning.^[2]

Aim

According to Kirsty Coventry the initiative is meant to achieve three things:

• Firstly they want to create unity with all of them
• Secondly they want to create awareness of all the athletes and artists
• Thirdly they want to create a relief fund for the athletes and artists

COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has heavily impacted sport, with numerous competitions having been postponed or cancelled due the crisis. This has had a knock-on impact on athletes, who have seen their opportunities to secure income be affected by the loss of events.