Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE National Youth Games are set to return in August next year, with Mashonaland East Province chosen to host the event following a four-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) confirmed the revival of the games on Thursday, marking a significant step in restoring one of Zimbabwe’s most important platforms for talent identification and youth development.
Announcing the development during a handover of sports kits to Matabeleland South in Gwanda, SRC Board Chairperson Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika said preparations were already underway.
“We are here to tell you that we are now re-introducing the Zimbabwe National Youth Games, which have not happened since 2019 due to Covid-19, and the games next year will be hosted by Mashonaland East.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education welcomed the move, with the government also highlighting the importance of such games in efforts to identify and nurture talent.
“We are grateful for this move by the SRC, to support sports as it will help us in a big way, as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Our children will learn a lot, including working as a team and dedication, and again promoting our heritage-based curriculum,” Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director, Mrs Beatrice Manjere noted.
“We need to catch these children young and at the same time, let us get these sports academies registered,” Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe added.
The National Youth Games are an important talent identification and development platform, and are used for the selection of players for junior national teams.
