Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region V Games torch has completed its tour of the 10 participating countries after arriving in Bulawayo yesterday, signalling the final stretch of preparations for the December Games in Maputo, Mozambique.
The arrival of the flame in Zimbabwe carries added significance, with the country having hosted the regional Games in 2014.
Maputo will also make history by hosting the competition for a second time, having staged the inaugural edition of the Region V Games.
Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, who was the guest of honour, said the torch represented unity and the government’s commitment to developing young talent.
“Receiving this torch, we confirm as Zimbabwe our participation. The torch represents more than the Games. It represents unity and our shared commitment to the development of our young people,” said VP Mohadi.
VP Mohadi handed the flame to former Highlanders and Warriors star Madinda Ndlovu, marking the final leg of its Zimbabwean journey.
AUSC chief executive officer Stanley Mutoya said the return of the Games to Mozambique presented another important chapter for the regional sporting family, while the torch symbolised the aspirations of young athletes.
“It is indeed an honour to be in my home country. Maputo hosted the inaugural event, so it’s an honour to have the tournament return to Mozambique.
“The Games have become a talent hub. We bring a torch which carries the aspirations of many athletes. It speaks to us building this talent. The flame symbolises the light,” said Mutoya.
Zimbabwe is set to send a 290-member delegation to the Games, with the athletes selected through various competitions before the National Youth Games provided the final selection platform.
Chef de mission Sebastian Garikayi said preparations were progressing well as the country gets ready for the regional showcase.
“Our preparations are going on well. We have 290 athletes selected from different competitions, but the Youth Games were the final selection platform. We hope to represent our country well in December,” said Garikayi.
The arrival of the torch also saw Government formally confirm Zimbabwe’s participation, with Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lt Gen (Rtd) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe pledging on behalf of Government.
“On behalf of Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I hereby confirm the participation of Team Zimbabwe in the Region V Games. We stand in solidarity with AUSC member states in promoting sporting excellence and regional cooperation,” said Sanyatwe.
AUSC country desk officer Masimba Mutemaringa said Zimbabwe was the final destination of a relay that had taken the torch through the other nine member states.
The torch was also taken to Hillside Teachers College, where discussions centred on the legacy of the regional Games and the opportunities they provide for developing athletes.
Ten countries are expected to compete in the multi-disciplinary sporting fiesta in Maputo in December.
