Ausc disposes athletics gear

Geophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
THE African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 local organising committee (Loc) has initiated phase two of the asset disposal plan and legacy concept for equipment used in the Under-20 Youth Games last year by moving athletics gear to safer facilities.

The equipment was being kept at the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development premises in Bulawayo and Loc chairperson Khonzani Ncube said consultations with respective associations for movement of the equipment had been completed.

“Last time we moved the basketball equipment and this is the second set of equipment we’re now disposing of. We want the athletics board to be in possession of this gear ahead of the athletics season so that all equipment is in place when the season kicks off,” said Ncube.

“What has to be done and monitored is accountability and the way the equipment is used. Respective authorities have to make sure that all records are kept safe and updated to maintain the legacy idea being promoted,” she said.

Basketball equipment was moved to the Bulawayo Club for the Disabled last month where it is under the care of the city council.

The second batch of equipment includes field scoreboards, field laptops, mobile radio communication kit, timers and information television screens.

“We’re certain that these facilities which we’ve moved the equipment to are secure enough. White City Stadium has been the home of athletics and if the equipment is there, it will be easily accessible. There will be more competitions coming up shortly and we hope the equipment will serve well,” Ncube said.

Sport and Recreation Ministry provincial head Josphat Ngulube said the handing over of the equipment would help implement world standard judging.

“This equipment will allow all sports organisations to develop and implement world class systems that will promote fairness.

The ministry will play an active role in ensuring the equipment is kept safe and is accessible to all those with proper documentation. This will help make sport more professional,” said Ngulube.