Online Reporter
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Zimbabwe National Youth Games have officially kicked off in Marondera, Mashonaland East, with all 10 provinces represented as the country revives the annual sporting event after a six-year hiatus.
The games, which are being held under the theme “Breaking the silence through sport,” mark a remarkable return to the sporting calendar, having last been staged in 2019.
On Thursday, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, accompanied by officials from his Ministry, Government officials from Mashonaland East Province, and representatives from the Sports and Recreation Commission, toured all nine venues hosting sporting activities in Marondera.
The tour was aimed at assessing the province’s state of preparedness as the games commenced.
Speaking to Zimpapers at Rudhaka Stadium in Dombotombo, Minister Sanyatwe expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by Mashonaland East Province and commended all provinces for their participation.
“As the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, allow me to say I am extremely happy that we have resuscitated the annual Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympics games. The games have been absent since 2019, about six years,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
“Given that scenario, this year, we have requested the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, to host the 2026 Youth and Paralympics games. I am so grateful for the response that I received from all the Ministers of State, it was pleasing. It is appreciated that the provinces have sent teams to compete in sporting activities that have been lined up.”
The minister said the primary purpose of his visit was to assess the measures implemented by the host province.
“We have visited venues that include Peter House, and I have seen athletes there who have already started their competitions. We also visited Rudhaka Stadium and Watershed. I am happy that the delegates are well accommodated, well fed and are ready for the games,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe expressed hope that the games would be conducted without incident and would be a resounding success.
Sports and Recreation Commission chairman Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika said he was delighted to see the games back on the calendar with all provinces well represented.
“We are grateful that we have started the Zimbabwe National Youth Games today, and all the teams from the ten provinces have arrived,” said Dr Madzivanyika.
“The games have been in limbo for six years, and we have just started today. We have been touring the game venues to have an appreciation of what is going on. We are glad that in the year 2026, we are starting these games again.”
The National Youth Games will run until August 18.
