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Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter—
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe yesterday officially opened the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo amid pomp and fanfare. The colourful ceremony was graced by various dignitaries from the Sadc region, among them ministers of sport from the 10 participating countries. In keeping with the importance of the event, most sporting disciplines took a break as the spotlight shifted to the proceedings at the new-look Barbourfields Stadium. Over 50 groups of local artistes performed during the official opening ceremony. They presented a well choreographed act under the theme, “Sonke, Tose, Together, Reaching for Greatness”.
The event was watched by thousands of people at the stadium and millions who followed proceedings on ZBCtv. The teams starting with Zambia, ending with Zimbabwe passed by the VIP tent showing respect to President Mugabe who responded by nodding and waving. The games mascot Jumbo was not to be outdone as he led the crowd in dance.
There are 1,317 athletes from 10 countries, 1,116 officials and 1,274 volunteers.
In his address, President Mugabe, who is also the chairperson of Sadc, implored all youths to always abstain from taking drugs and other intoxicating substances.
He urged them to uphold sporting ethics and the principles of ubuntu.
He said Zimbabwe was proud to have been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the 6th edition of AUSC Region 5 Youth Games adding that sport played a vital part in human and social development. The President said Sadc had introduced the games with the main aim of developing sporting talent in young people.
President Mugabe said the games had, in many respects, changed the landscape of Bulawayo. He said since November 2012, when the country signed the protocol agreement, the government had immensely improved the local infrastructure of sport competition venues, accommodation facilities, road and communication networks.
“The games have therefore brought numerous business opportunities for local enterprises,” he said. “They’ve also created employment opportunities for our people in Bulawayo and those from the surrounding areas and from even far afield.”
President Mugabe said the games in Bulawayo at this point in time had, indeed, provided fundamental support for Zim-Asset.
“I appreciate that it has taken a lot of dedication and commitment to organise the regional games. It has required teamwork and maximum effort from everyone involved. I accordingly wish to congratulate you all, the Regional and Local Organising Committees and the respective chairpersons on your thorough preparations which undoubtedly assure us of successful sporting competitions,” he said.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Cde Andrew Langa said the city would not remain the same after the games adding that infrastructure in the city had been improved significantly, a move that will not be forgotten by the people of Bulawayo.
“The games will forever be in our hearts as the people of Bulawayo. They’re going to leave a legacy and I thank you for your support,” said Cde Langa.
“We thank you Gushungo, thank you Your Excellency for personally seeing to it that the games are held in Bulawayo. We were encouraged by your leadership as a ministry to work hard for the success of the games. We thank you our icon and shinning light in sports development.”
He said the games which started on Saturday had started well, adding that the spirit was high among athletes.
Regional Organising Committee chairperson Vuzo Mbele said: “We commend you, Your Excellency, for the resources that were channelled towards the successful hosting of the games. Some of the stadia will be able to host CAF matches,” he said.
The official opening had initially been scheduled for Thursday but had to be moved to yesterday due to various reasons.
Meanwhile, President Mugabe presented medals of honour to individuals and teams from the region for excelling in sport. Notable recipients were the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) welterweight female champion Esther Phiri and the Malawi netball team.
Phiri was honoured for taking part in the male- dominated sport and winning many international matches over the years. The games, which are held bi-annually on a rotational basis, have previously been held in Zambia (2012), Swaziland (2010), South Africa (2008), Namibia (2006) and Mozambique (2004).
Online Reporter