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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Sports Reporter
SPORT will benefit immensely if the Government comes up with a separate ministry for sport, a top official has said.
Speaking during a Press conference on the 2013 Zimbabwe National Youth Games on Friday, Sport and Recreation Commission acting director general Patience Kabanda said while they do not have the powers to dictate how government arms work, a separate ministry would greatly benefit sport.
“We would want sport to be recognised more than before, it will indeed be great for sport to have a fully fledged Ministry because we believe sport contributes quite a lot to development, health and economic survival of the country,” said Kabanda.
There have been increasing calls for the country to have a separate ministry of sport instead of the present situation that has sport, education, arts and culture.
Those calling for a stand alone ministry argue that it would help the industry as the Government and the corporate world are likely to devote more time and resources to sport.
“I believe that sport will benefit even more with a stand alone ministry,” said Kabanda.
Meanwhile, SRC director for sport development Joseph Muchechetere said the Zimbabwe National Youth Games made brilliant inroads into infrastructural development where ever they have been held.
“Its our wish as the SRC and government that these Games live a legacy in all provinces where they are held and we are happy that we now have tangible evidence of structures built for the Games,” said Muchechetere.
In Bulawayo three handball courts were constructed at Luveve and Northlea High schools while in 2011 in Matabeleland South, an all-weather and multi-purpose court was built outside Pelandaba Stadium and inside the facility, a standard athletic track was erected.
There were basketball courts built at Don Bosco College during the Matabeleland North version of the Games in Hwange.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter