adminHarare have for the past years dominated the National Youth Games and have missed the top spot twice since the competition started when they came second to Masvingo Province in 2003 and in 2004 when Midlands came first.
This year’s hosting by Mashonaland Central marks the completion of the first cycle in which all the ten provinces have now played host.
The games will move into the second cycle next year with Bulawayo Metropolitan Province becoming the next host province. During the closing ceremony Vice President John Nkomo handed over the torch to Governor and Resident Minister of Bulawayo province Cain Mathema who then passed it on to the athletes.
Harare had for the past editions garnered more silverware in the track and field events but it was a different story this year as they dominated most in the ball games after most of their seasoned athletes missed this year’s competitions due to age restrictions and school commitments.
Powered by the boys and girls’ teams of volleyball and basketball, Harare amassed 11 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 10 bronze medals to finish top but have Mash West to thank after they denied Bulawayo gold in the boys’ soccer which could have complicated things for the defending champions.
Harare had six gold medals in the ball games and collected five other gold medals in the track and field where young Tawanda Washaya scooped in the triple and long jump before settling for silver in high jump.
Bulawayo finished the games with 10 gold medals, 13 silver and 15 bronze dominating mostly in the track and field where they had seven gold medals with the other three coming from boxing.
Hosts Mashonaland Central finished third with nine gold medals, six silver and six bronze while 2003 winners Masvingo came fourth with nine gold medals, six silver and three bronze medals.
Mashonaland West settled for fifth place while 2004 winners Midlands finished sixth.
Local Organising Committee chief executive officer Stan Kasukuwere has applauded all the stakeholders who played a part in making the games success.
“I would like to thank all of you for the support that you have rendered to us as the organising committee for the games. As you are aware that we were appointed to the committee in January 2012 and clearly this was not the most desirable situation but the job had to be done.
“The task of organising the games was not an easy one as it also involved ensuring that the sporting facilities were constructed and in some instances renovated to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements.
“This was against a background of inadequate resources that were at the disposal of the organising committee but through our initiatives we were able to get some sponsors who assisted us to get the facilities in place for the games.
“We shall be forever indebted to them for their support since the legacy for the games will forever live on. The support that our committee received from all the stakeholders was overwhelming and made our task easier and it is our hope that going forward your support shall be increased for the benefit of the participants.
“Green Medical Aid Society chipped in with medical coverage and ambulances, Mbada Diamonds, Zinara and Ashanti Gold Fields are also some of the sponsors who played a pivotal role in the staging of these games,” said Kasukuwere.
The games serve as a platform to identify, test, measure, evaluate and develop talent for local, regional and international events in line with the Sports and Recreation Commission strategic plan.
The games are modelled on the Zone VI and All Africa Games concept, rules and regulations and they form a deliberate strategy for Zimbabwe’s effective participation in the zone and continentalgames.
Online Reporter