adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE official opening of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games has been brought forward by a day to December 4. President Mugabe will officially open the Games at Barbourfields Stadium which is expected to be filled to capacity.
The crowd will include 1,300 participating athletes from the 11 countries, dignitaries and members of the public.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday from Harare, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa also said that if time permits, President Mugabe would unveil three Games’ venues on the same day.
President Mugabe is expected to unveil the City Pools, Hillside Teachers’ College which is the Games’ Village and either BAC or the netball courts at White City Stadium.
“Prior to the address by His Excellency at Barbourfields Stadium, there will be a number of performing artistes so I really urge the people of Bulawayo and the country at large to come in their numbers and fill Barbourfields to the brim,” said Minister Langa.
Meanwhile, Minister Langa expressed concern over poor progress at White City Stadium, venue for athletics which is yet to have the tartan track erected as well as installation of floodlights.
“White City Stadium is lagging behind a bit in terms of progress but I still remain confident that by December 1, the facility will be ready, as a Ministry, we want to appreciate the support we have been getting from President Mugabe through other line ministries like Finance and Public Works,” said Minister Langa.
He said the floodlights which were yet to be installed at White City was an issue which his ministry was presently seized with.
“Before the regional organising committee visited us, we were of the opinion that athletics will be held during the day but when they came, they told us that competition will be in the evenings hence the need for floodlights.
“As the Minister responsible for sports, my dream is to leave a legacy for Bulawayo and installing of those floodlights will be part of that legacy, so yes, floodlights have to be installed,” said Minister Langa.
Only netball courts floodlights have been installed.
Minister Langa also announced that they have since received $10,5 million that will go towards operations and infrastructure.
onlinemedia
derick.khumalo