adminFrom Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO
THE Governor and Resident Minister of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Cain Mathema, says it was about time for sport to be run as a business for the sector to contribute towards community development. Athletes from the country’s 10 provinces will compete at the Games which will end on Saturday. Speaking at a colourful ceremony to mark the official opening of the 11th edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games at White City yesterday, Mathema said the sport industry was capable of providing a livelihood for thousands of people in this country.
“The role of sport has evolved over time and today it is a source of entertainment, a unifying factor, a tool for educating the young people and more importantly a business.
“However, to say that sport is a big business without adequate investment is like having a vision without action.
“To this end, it is important for the stakeholders involved with sport to come together and define how they are going to tap into the vast business opportunities that sport offers,” Mathema said.
This is the second time that Bulawayo has played host to the Games with the last time being the inaugural 2003 edition.
All the country’s provinces have played host to the Games and last year the National Youth Games were held in Mashonaland West.
Online Reporter