Youth Games launched
MATABELELAND North province can only host successful Zimbabwe National Youth Games if there is a mutual buy in from the business community and the general public.
Speaking as he officially launched the revised and branded Games at the Edmund Davies Hall in Hwange on Friday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cain Mathema said only a tripartite relationship can ensure maximum success during the August 17-27 games that will have a record 22 sport codes, up from the generic eight since 2003 despite the fact that this will not be the first time that the province is hosting multi-disciplinary games.
“Some of you may recall that in 2007 we hosted the Zimbabwe National Youth Games, in 2012 we hosted the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games and last year we had the YES Games. Although this speaks to our experience in hosting the multidisciplinary games, this does not guarantee success at the upcoming Games. We can only be successful if we team up with you, we would like tap into your expertise on how to harness resources so that we host memorable Games for the good of our province,” said Minister Mathema.
He said the games are a deliberate attempt to spread the games to all communities in the country and they are also a fulfilment of the national constitution.
“The constitution of Zimbabwe states that the State must take all practical measures to encourage sporting and recreational activities including the provision of sporting and recreational facilities for all people,” said the resident Minister.
Set to be held under the theme “Inspiring national development through talent identification, talent development and excellence in sport and recreation”, the revised games will see over 15 000 athletes and officials coming down to the province although a few sport codes will be held in Bulawayo.
Speaking at the same occasion, the local organising committee chief executive officer Burzil Dube said his committee was determined to host a successful and historic sporting jamboree.
“I want to assure you that we are going to host these games successfully as requested by Cabinet through His Excellency President Mugabe. The onus is upon us here to ensure that we pull in the same direction so that this province and nation at large secures its rightful place in the world of sport. Together we can be counted among the world’s best in both preparedness and implementation,” said Dube.
The launch was also graced by the Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane, his acting permanent secretary Benson Dube, Sport and Recreation Commission board members as well as the business community.