The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

Zoc hopes for fair winds to Buenos Aires

- Brighton Zhawi

WITH 342 days until the third Youth Olympic Games come to life in Buenos Aires the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee has urged national sport associatio­ns to be on their toes.

Over 4 000 athletes aged between 15 and 18 are expected to gather in Argentina’s capital from October 6-18 next year for the showcase.

Zimbabwe plans to hoist its flag in the South American metropole and the country’s Olympic committee says 11 sporting codes have expressed interest in the Games.

“ZOC has received responses and input from 11 sport codes, namely aquatics, archery, athletics, beach volleyball, equestrian, golf, karate, rowing, tennis, triathlon and the team sport of Rugby 7’s,” said ZOC chief executive Anna Mguni.

“Associatio­ns must ensure that they work closely with their athletes in terms of preparatio­n and qualificat­ion. Training and competitio­n as well as the requisite support services must be provided at the highest available level.”

The third Youth Olympic Games will include new codes like climbing and BMX freestyle.

“The Youth Olympic Games qualificat­ion deadline for team sports is June 2018 and for individual sports is July 2018,” said Mguni. “It is important to note, as directed by each internatio­nal federation­s qualificat­ion standards, that there are limits to the numbers that will be permitted from each code and country, and in some instances, per continent.

“The national associatio­ns consulted have provided estimates in line with the limits set by the internatio­nal federation, their athletes will be expected to take part in qualificat­ion events between now and the qualificat­ion cut-off date.”

Double Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry will be the team’s chef de mission and Mguni reckons the swimming icon brings much needed experience.

“Kirsty has approached this assignment with the high level of commitment that is her trademark.

She is involved in the activities and decisions to date, as mandated by her role.

Her experience as an Olympian is undoubtedl­y invaluable and will be the prime asset throughout this assignment,” said Mguni.

 ??  ?? Anna Mguni
Anna Mguni

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