adminConference/Business forum at Herman Germainer High School yesterday.
The National Youth Games are currently underway here in Mashonaland Central and after two days of sporting action, all the provinces rested yesterday to attend the forum.
This year’s Youth Conference ran under the theme “Young People with Disability” with the main thrust being promoting the physically disadvantaged youths through integrating them into influential positions.
The concept of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games has reached a milestone with this year marking 10 years since the sporting showpiece was re-launched.
“I would like to congratulate all the athletes participating at the Youth Games and you are all winners in that you have realised that sports can deliver a livelihood.
“Go ahead, use your talents and embrace opportunities.
“Not all of us are academics, we have people who have done well through sports, so today I would like to encourage you all to take sport seriously and make it a form of employment.
“Benjani Mwaruwari, Elliot Mujaji, Stephen Muzhingi and Kirsty Coventry to mention a few, are some of the illustrious Zimbabweans who have raised our flag and
have also been able to provide comfortable livelihoods for their families through sport.
“I urge all youths to use this sporting platform, above competing to share your experiences and to exchange information as we seek to promote the development of our country through the young people,” said Kasukuwere.
Kasukuwere have also urged the youths to utilise the US$35 million facility which has been availed by the Government under the youth empowerment programme
aimed at capacitating young people to be self-reliant.
“Young people need that resource (US$30 million facility) to capacitate themselves in different domains or disciplines that will shape them to be future leaders — leadership does not start tomorrow but starts today.
“What is learnt must be put to good use in communities for the nation needs young, committed, brave and focused people. You need a positive mental attitude and
the brains must defend the interest of Zimbabwe, you must be proud to be Zimbabwean.
“The future wants you and you must defend the interest of the nation at every minute and moment because you have Zimbabwe to inherit,” added Kasukuwere.
Youths were also encouraged to be responsible and to abstain from activities that might shatter their dreams before they realise them.
“Abstain from drug abuse and sexual activities because if you die young you would have missed a lot and as a nation we will be sorry but Zimbabwe will move on with those who are focused and successful and they will inherit the resources which are for the young and healthy Zimbabweans so don’t be part of the statistics,” Kasukuwere said.
The Department of Sports Science and Coaching in conjunction with the Local Organising Committee (ZNYGLOC) were hosting the event for the second time.
During the conference such issues like doping, sports management, gender and sports, paralympic sports, sports Insurance, HIV AIDS and sport, the media and sports development and talent identification and development were discussed by coaches and team managers from all the provinces.
Online Reporter