PREPARATIONS for the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Under-20 Games to be held in Bulawayo could be in jeopardy as the government battles to raise the money needed for the refurbishment of facilities to be used and the general administration and operational costs for the Games.
HENRY MHARA
Speaking at a business meeting with stakeholders at local hotel yesterday, Sports, Arts and Culture minister Andrew Langa said while the government has committed to giving $13 million towards the Games, only $2,5 million had been made available.
Langa said $9 million was needed for the refurbishment of infrastructure and an additional $4 million for administration and operations.
“Some corporates have made pledges for some items. However, there remains several opportunities for support and partnerships to ensure the success of the Games. We are, therefore, calling upon the business community to work together with the government for the successful hosting of these games,” Langa said.
He said some committees had been set up to work with the Local Organising Committee towards mobilising the needed funds.
The budget for the Games was initially set at a staggering $46 million, but was reviewed down as the organisers shelved plans to construct a new Games Village.
They have since resolved to use the already existing accommodation facilities at Hillside Teachers’ College as the Games Village for the participants.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Langa said four countries outside the Zone 5 had been invited to participate at the Games.
The countries are DRC, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles who will add to the AUSC member states which are Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and Angola.
A total of 1 500 athletes are expected to participate in the Games that will run from December 3-16.
Chef de Mission of Team Zimbabwe Sebastian Garikai said athletes to represent the country had been selected.
Garikai said two training camps were being planned to prepare the team as they seek the number one position at the games.
The first camp is scheduled for Masvingo in August and the organisers have taken advantage of the Youth Games to be hosted in the city to prepare Team Zimbabwe who will participate as the 11th province.
The other camp would be held in Bulawayo in November.
Garikai said the team is made up of 305 athletes, the biggest number the country has ever sent to the Games since inception in 2004.
Zimbabwe will have eight disciplines which are athletics, basketball, boxing, football, judo, netball, tennis and swimming. Barbourfields and Luveve Stadium, which have already been closed for renovations, will be used for soccer while basketball and judo will use Zimbabwe International Trade Fair halls.
The Large City Hall will host boxing matches.
