HARARE - Robert Mugabe yesterday congratulated Big Brother Amplified Reality Show winner Wendell Parson, fellow participant Vimbai Mutinhiri and 3-time Comrades Marathon champion, Steven Muzhingi and handed over US$110 000 to the trio for raising the Zimbabwean flag high in their respective fields of competition.

Mugabe hosted a special luncheon for Wendell, Steven and Vimbai, as scores of Zanu PF youths, members of the families and top government officials joined them at a colourful ceremony held at State House.

At the luncheon, Mugabe gave some words of wisdom and commended the three celebrities for not only raising the Zimbabwe flag high, but demonstrating to other youths that through passion and hard work they cannot only excel in life, but can also be rewarded for their endeavours.

Mugabe described 3-time Marathon winner, Stephen Muzhingi as a shining example to other youths and urged parents to dedicate themselves to developing talents.

He described Wendell as a blessed and strong person who endured the long stay in the Big Brother house which he equated to a time of incarceration.

Mugabe noted that Vimbai is not a loser but a victor as she managed to play her part in the face of hardship and other challenges that come with such a confined set up as Big Brother Show.

Of the US$110 000, Wendell received US$50 000 to bring his total earnings to US$250 000.

3-time Marathon winner, Stephen Muzhingi also received US$50 000, while Vimbai got US$10 000.

Meanwhile, the three celebrities Wendell Parson, Stephen Muzhingi and Vimbai Mutinhiri who were honoured say they are proud to be Zimbabwean and have attributed their outstanding performances on their hardworking.

3-time Marathon champion, Steven Muzhingi, who dedicated his success which saw him scooping the first prize for three consecutive years to his family and all Zimbabweans, said next year’s 88 kilometres Marathon will be special.

Vimbai who was evicted in the last stages of the Big Brother Amplified Show saluted her colleague Wendell for coming first in the BBA show and said the show left Africa and Zimbabwe more united than ever.

For the man of the moment Wendell he is just proud to be a Zimbabwean.

“I’m proud to be Zimbabwean,” he said.

Muzhingi has won the 89 kilometres Comrades Marathon for the past three successive years beating over 20 000 contestants from across the globe, while Wendell wrote the country’s new chapter of history as he emerged winner of the top prize at the just ended Big Brother Amplified Reality Show held in South Africa and watched by over 50 million viewers from 54 countries.

By Special correspondent

Comments(1):

1. Good Job

   I really appreciate the effort made by the President to honor the trio for the good work they did in their competitions. What the President did is a clear indication of appreciation every father can do to his children especially after they have done a good job. Wendell, Vimba and Muzhingi raised high the flag of Zimbabwe. Weldorne guys, keep it up.

   Sunday, August 07, 2011 James