Story by Providence Maraneli
MATABELELAND South is intensifying efforts to mobilise resources ahead of the National Youth Games scheduled for Marondera in August, with stakeholders seeking support to ensure the province is adequately represented at the annual competition.
The issue took centre stage during a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Gwanda on Thursday.
The National Youth Games remain a key platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent, with many of Zimbabwe’s elite athletes having launched their careers through the competition.
As preparations gather momentum, provincial officials say funding constraints remain the biggest challenge.
“We are preparing for the Youth Games, but sometimes we wish to have athletes in all codes. Due to funding challenges, we might fail. We need to send a delegation of about 280 people to Marondera, and this will cost around US$30 000. We therefore need assistance from stakeholders,” General Manager, Youth Games, Arthur Maphosa said.
Provincial sports authorities say engagements with schools, businesses and local communities are already yielding positive results.
“Currently, the major challenge is resource mobilisation. As Matabeleland South, we are at an advanced stage of engaging stakeholders, and we are happy that many schools have availed facilities and transport support to help ferry athletes to Marondera,” Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Committee, Michelle Chigova said.
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) says concerns raised by stakeholders are being addressed as preparations continue.
“We had a fruitful meeting with stakeholders and partners. They raised a number of concerns which we are looking into and hopefully by the time the Youth Games begin, those concerns will have been addressed,” Director General of the Sports and Recreation Commission, Allen Mavunga said.
Beyond competition, the National Youth Games play a critical role in talent identification and development across a range of sporting disciplines, providing a pathway for future national and international athletes.
