HARARE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Kirsty Coventry's election as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is an inspiration for Zimbabwean women, Zimbabwe's deputy sports minister Emily Jesaya said on Thursday.

An Olympic swimming champion and also Zimbabwe's sports minister, Coventry was elected IOC president on Thursday for an eight-year term of office, beating six other candidates at the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece.

"It's a big day for Zimbabwe," Jesaya told Xinhua.

"We are so excited, especially that we are in March where we are celebrating women, so Kirsty Coventry being the first African to get that position of heading the IOC, and also being the first female [IOC president] is really an inspiration to us."

Jesaya expressed confidence in Coventry's leadership.

"We know that her assumption of this role is going to change the landscape of sport for everyone in the world, so we are excited and happy and we wish her well for that role she has just taken up," she said.

Jesaya added that Coventry's election would also elevate Zimbabwe's position in global sport.

"For Zimbabwe, we are so happy, it means that we are also upping our game in terms of sport, and we are also going to support her. Right now, everyone is happy for that opportunity and for that confidence that the IOC members have bestowed on her," she added. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)