admin
Sports Reporter
MALAWI is ready to host the 10th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games from December 2 to 11, next year, in Lilongwe.
The signing of the games protocol agreement was delayed due to a combination of factors, key among them being the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, and the ushering in of a new government in Malawi.
The new government needed to follow all necessary processes for the endorsement of this project, which requires significant capital, and operational expenditure.
The protocol agreement was finally signed on July 6, 2021.
The delay affected all other plans which had been expected to have been in place by now, including appointment of the Local Organising Committee. The Regional Organising Committee for the Games was in Lilongwe, from November 2 to 8, for the induction of the newly-appointed LOC.
Malawi’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Ulemu Msungama, has been working overtime to ensure that all plans, for the successful hosting of the Games, are put in place.
Msungama has managed to get two big projects — construction of a new Aquatic Complex and a new multi-sport Indoor Sports Centre — up and running.
Both projects are expected to be completed by August 2022 in time for the Test events scheduled for September of the same year.
The induction covered significant foundation issues including thorough consideration of provisions of the Protocol Agreement, General Rules and Hosting Manual that guides the hosting of the Games. The session also addressed key Games delivery milestones and time-lines that will require the LOC to adhere to.
The time-lines have already been reviewed, taking into consideration the current conditions and delays already experienced, in the organisation of the Games.
The Games delivery plan has been divided into three phases of conceptualisation phase (0 to 6 months after signing protocol agreement), preparation phase (7-14 months after signing protocol agreement) and delivery phase (14 to 18 months after signing the protocol agreement).
Focus of the LOC will therefore be largely on execution of tasks and milestones earmarked for the Conceptualisation Phase now.
Speaking from Malawi, the African Union Sports Council Region 5 chief executive, Stanley Mutoya, who is also the ROC chairperson, said this was a positive sign for the region.
“As a region, we are delighted to see the level of commitment by the government and people of Malawi towards hosting of memorable Games in 2022.
“Even though there have been unexpected delays due to circumstances beyond our control, it is the sheer determination and resolve by the Malawi government to cover lost ground that is gratifying.
“We have no doubt that if the momentum we have witnessed during this mission is sustained, Malawi will deliver the best Games ever hosted in the history of Region 5.”
Malawi has appointed a 16-member LOC Board and a 44-member secretariat headed by a female chief executive.
This is in line with the Region 5 inclusion policy that encourages women empowerment and provision of opportunities for women in key decision-making positions.
Online Reporter