adminNgqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
THE Midlands has reduced its budget for the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to be held in Masvingo next week from $110,000 to $75,000.
Organisers are still out with begging bowls to ensure that the province is represented at this year’s championships, the 12th since their inception in 2003.
The games will run from Monday to August 24.
Provincial co-ordinator for the Midlands Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) office, Simon Masaka said response to appeals for donations has been poor.
Masaka said they could be forced to send a small team.
With two days to go, the team management is appealing to the political leadership and business community to support the athletes.
The fundraising committee headed by provincial manager Cephas Mutumhe has since approached mining companies and other corporates who have not yet responded.
“We have written letters to a number of local companies but they are yet to respond,” said Mutumhe.
The provincial youth games team recently revised its budget downward to $75,000.
The games are used as a platform to identify and nurture talent and are open to athletes below the age of 20.
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