Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe has said the upcoming African Youth Games are more than just a competition, but a critical investment in the future.
The Games are running from December 10 to 20 in Angola with athletes aged between 14 and 17 years from the 54 African countries participating.
Zimbabwe are fielding 82 athletes in athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, cycling, golf, judo, karate, rowing, swimming (including open water), table tennis, taekwondo and tennis.
Addressing Team Zimbabwe at a send-off ceremony in Harare yesterday, Sanyatwe said: “The Africa Youth Games are more than just another competition.
“For your Ministry, they are a critical investment in the future, a groundwork platform for the Youth Olympic Games, and a fundamental conveyor belt towards future global events, including the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and the 2032 Summer Olympic Games in Brisbane.
“The Games provide early exposure, experience, and confidence-building for athletes who will one day compete at the highest stages of world sport.
“You are the generation that will carry Zimbabwe to new heights, and these Games serve as a launchpad for your long-term sporting journeys.”
The Games spearheaded by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), are aimed at promoting sports among the youths, to identify and nurture young talent for other major competitions such as the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), African Games and the Olympic Games.
“This ceremony is more than a farewell, it is a celebration of commitment, excellence, and the enduring Zimbabwean spirit.
“The Africa Youth Games aligns perfectly with the objectives of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasised youth empowerment, human capital development, and nation branding through sport, as a tool for social cohesion and economic growth.
“As we approach the end of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) at the end of this month and prepare to transition into National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) in 2026, your participation symbolises continuity and progress, consequently, demonstrating how investment in sport creates pathways for national pride, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
“Your presence at the Games reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to nurturing a strong, healthy, and talented youth population that will drive our country’s development forward,” said Sanyatwe.
Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye expressed gratitude to the government for supporting and making it possible for the team to participate at the Games.
The team is travelling in batches and the first group was scheduled to leave in the early hours of today.
Sanyatwe was accompanied by his deputy Emily Jesaya, acting Permanent Secretary Cynthia Mawema and other officials from the Ministry.
Also in attendance was Sports and Recreation Commission acting director general Peter Mudzimiri, representatives from national associations and parents.
Peter Tanyanyiwa