adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) is keeping a close eye on national election dates as that could have a direct effect on the hosting of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games. The Games being hosted by Bulawayo are tentatively set to run from 17 to 25 August but there are now fears they could clash with the harmonised elections in the event of the elections being moved to August.
SRC director-general Charles Nhemachena said his organisation was closely following developments to do with the elections.
“We are certainly keeping an eye on these developments. Should there be a clash between the Youth Games and the national elections, we will postpone the Games,” he said.
Nhemachena said they always ensure that the Games do not clash with national events such as elections.
“The Games are national and as such cannot be held at the same time with a national event such as elections,” he said.
The uncertainty on the election dates has however not affected preparations for the Games as provinces are still busy with their selection of athletes while refurbishment of some of the infrastructure in Bulawayo is going on.
The deadline to finalise preparations is 31 July.
On Tuesday, the 2013 Youth Games chief executive officer Raji Modi officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony to signal the start of rehabilitation of some of the facilities at Luveve High School.
The Games’ budget of $1,6 million has since been revised downwards to $1,4 million.
Central Government is expected to contribute $150 000 towards the Games while the rest of the money is expected to come from corporates, participation fees as well as fundraising activities.
A total of 3 000 athletes and officials from all the country’s 10 provinces will participate at the Games.
Various venues have already been identified as either playing or accommodation facilities.
Milton, Northlea, Luveve, United College of Education, Hillside College, National University of Science and Technology, Sizinda Hall, Emakhandeni Tennis Courts, Bulawayo Club of the Disabled, Barbourfields and White City are some of the venues to play host to the Games.
The theme for this year’s Games is: Royalty Hosts Youths Games, Promoting Friendship, Peace and National Development through Youth Games.
Online Reporter