admin
The Games are set for Lusaka from 4-17 December and have been considered a key factor in the development of young talent in the region.
Joseph Muchechetere, the SRC deputy director-general, disclosed the information this week and said they were now left in a very difficult position. Fundraising for the trip, he said, would now be a joint effort with the national associations.
“Regrettably we have been advised by Government that they are not in a position to support a huge squad for Zambia. We have always counted on Government for these games but this time around they have said they are in a fix. What this calls for is for the SRC and the national associations involved to work towards harnessing resources together.
“These games are very important in the development of identified young talent in the country who are our future Olympic champions.
“Our success in these games depends on the good will of the Zimbabwe corporate sector, we appeal for assistance to enable us to send a big team to expose our children and also try to get results for the country,” said Muchechetere.
Zimbabwe intended sending teams to take part in athletics, soccer, netball, basketball, tennis, swimming, and boxing.
Sport for people with disabilities is part of the programme.
Muchechetere said what they were assured of from Government coffers was $100 000 which he said was enough for 13 athletes and seven administrators.
“We are looking at other sources to raise about $600 000 to send a full complement of athletes and we are flexible in the number we could take along. First option is for 20 people at $100 000 with the second being a team of 150 at $300 000, third 100 at a cost of $200 000 with our priority still 286 people though. It is attainable, we need to have Zimbabweans appreciating that this is the foundation for our future stars,” said the SRC deputy director-general.
Muchechetere said if push came to shove they would discard team sports and concentrate on athletics, sport for people with disabilities and swimming. These are codes were athletes take part in a number of activities as individuals and teams too when it gets to relays. They have often provided the bulk of medals as compared to team sports.
Muchechetere said Zimbabwe was yet to confirm its participation in terms of numbers. He said they would do that at the Chef de Mission meeting set for 13-15 July.
Muchechetere is the Zimbabwe Chef de Mission for this year’s Games.
Zimbabwe finished second at the 2010 Games and were third in the 2008 Championships held in South Africa.
Online Reporter