admin
Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE sixth Region Five under 20 Youth games came to an end at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday with the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Nomthandazo Moyo calling upon all African nations to unite and support sports.
Speaking at the closing ceremony after the Zimbabwe and Zambia football match, Minister Moyo said the just ended youth games were a sign of true Africanism and togetherness among countries on the continent.
“The past 14 days have been an amazing experience for Bulawayo and the entire Zimbabwe. It is this spirit of togetherness that should continue among the African countries as we engender the purpose of Africanism,” said Minister Moyo.
“Such events don’t only bring us together, but improve socio-economic development and better standards of living among African nations.”
Minister Moyo urged all African member states to continue supporting sports and commended all those who participated in the games and worked tirelessely to make the event a success.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa said Zimbabwe had every reason to celebrate the just ended games which brought together 10 countries and successfully hosted more than 1,500 participants.
“It’s my opinion and belief that we’ve hosted the best edition of the AUSC Under 20 Games. This is characteristic of us as a nation – always endowed with the ability to perform par excellence, regardless of the economic challenges.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the chairperson of the organising committee Mvuzo Mbebe for his dedicated team. There were times when the Zimbabwean team felt dejected and hopeless due to the slow pace of the preparations and refurbishments, but Mbebe always urged us on,” said Minister Langa.
He also commended the contractors and workers that worked round the clock to prepare for the games and applauded the athletes for their determination and courage.
The athletes, Minister Langa added, have excercised outstanding sportsmanship and discipline which many marvelled at.
“I’m convinced that all of us have made new friends and discovered hidden potentials in sport. A future has been carved out for all of us and we will always remember that it all started at the AUSC region five games held in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
“Many thanks also go to Minister Moyo, the Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo and for the support they rendered to make the games a huge success,” said Minister Langa.
He wished the next host of the games, Angola, another successful and memorable event.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora, Sport, Arts and Culture secretary Thokozile Chitepo and other permanent secretaries, heads of parastatals, captains of industry, representatives of regional sports confederations, senior government officials and members of Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education, Sport, Arts and Culture graced the event.
Minister Moyo handed over the region five flag to the Angolan Minister of Sport, Jose Albino. The Angolans will host the youth games in 2016.
Online Reporter