The Zimbabwe National Youth Games 14th edition was launched at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) hotel in Chinhoyi over the weekend, with the preparations of the games being at an advanced stage.
Lovejoy Mutongwiza / Abel Chipanera
Launching the games, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province Faber Chidarikire said preparations are at an advanced stage. He applauded the Local Organizing Committee for completing the preparations within the stipulated deadline.
“As the patron of this year’s edition of the Youth Games, I’m happy to say the organizing committee has done a tremendous job in making sure we are on course for the hosting of these important games.
“The general managers of the eight provinces that will be taking part are impressed by the state of preparedness by our province and our state of our facilities. Schools and colleges around us are also playing their part in helping us prepare,” said Chidarikire while applauding the efforts of Chinhoyi Municipality in developing the Chinhoyi stadium which will used for the opening and closing ceremonies.
However, Minister urged corporates to chip in with financial assistance as they have not realized the adequate amount of money needed to run the games smoothly.
He said, “We are aware of the dire economic situation in the country but we are kindly asking for businesses to come on board and help us with financial assistance so that we meet our target in order to run the games smoothly.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of Sports and Recreation, who was also the guest of honor, Honorable Makhosini Hlongwane said youth games are important as they help identify talent that will be part of team Zimbabwe in the future.
“The games have been instrumental in talent identification as they bring out our future stars. It is these platforms that nurture talent from the grassroot level up to national level hence they should be handled with utmost care.
“These very important talent identification games, are a government project and they resonate well with my ministry’s mission that anticipates the need to create an enabling and sustainable environment for sports and recreation delivery that promotes access for all,” Hlongwane said.
He urged youths to take these games seriously as they can mold their careers and challenged local members to attend and support the youths.
This year’s edition of the games will run from the 13th to the 21st of August and Manicaland Province will be aiming to defend their title which they won after hosting the event last year.
