Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Government has thrown its full weight behind Team Zimbabwe ahead of their participation in the upcoming Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Games pencilled for next month in Namibia.
Team Zimbabwe are looking at sending a contingency of 197 athletes to the Under-20 competition with 104 being female and drawn from across 12 sport codes.
The 11-day sporting fiesta is scheduled to run from July 4-13 at two venues in Swakopmund and Windhoek.
Athletics and swimming will be staged in Swakopmund with the rest of the Games set for the capital Windhoek.
Team Zimbabwe have since made it clear that they will be targeting to pick at least 20 gold medals from the competition.
They were fourth overall the last time out in Lilongwe, Malawi in 2022 where they brought back home 12 gold out of a medal haul of 84.
Their preparation for this jamboree is already at the next level with the Government committing to support the team, a move underscored by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe via a statement yesterday.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to embrace sport as a tool for economic growth, national branding, social inclusion and international cooperation,” Sanyatwe said.
“We are committed to supporting our athletes in this endeavour and will ensure that they have the necessary resources and encouragement to excel.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, in conjunction with the Sport and Recreation Commission and Team Zimbabwe Management will be facilitating preparations and logistics for the teams to ensure a successful participation in Namibia.
“We believe that the experience gained from competing on such a platform will be invaluable for our young athletes, helping to propel them towards greater achievements in their sporting careers.
“Together, let us encourage our youth to dream big, work hard and reach for the stars. The ministry calls upon all Zimbabweans, athletes, Sports Associations, media partners, civil society, and the private sector to embrace this opportunity and support our efforts,” he said.
Sanyatwe said Zimbabwe’s participation postulates the country’s commitment to sport, youth development, and regional integration.
“The game’s theme is “Own the Moment,” which conveys a powerful message to athletes about taking control of their opportunities in sports and life,” he added.
The aims of the biennial Games include:
Encourage young sports persons to develop towards stages where they can prepare the future, represent their nations and the whole region.
Enable young people from different member states to meet, mix, and get to know each other, thereby developing the required community spirit and regional integration.
Develop a spirit of fair play, mutual respect, and Olympism among young regional athletes.
Provide opportunities for countries of the region to unite in working on an agreed common sports programme.
