Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A TOTAL of 181 athletes and officials are in Marondera representing Manicaland Province in the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games.
Team Manicaland, comprising administrators, coaches, team managers and athletes for sporting disciplines that include basketball, football (men and women), netball, volleyball, boxing, tennis and athletics, will be hoping for positive results in the annual sporting fete.
The 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games officially kicked off on Wednesday, and will run through August 26, in the Mashonaland East provincial capital.
The Youth Games run from August 12 to 18, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 20 to 26.
The scope of the National Youth Games involves thousands of young athletes from all provinces across Zimbabwe competing across diverse sporting codes.
This year’s edition marks the grand return of the rotational annual national event following previous interruptions and hiatuses.
This programme was inaugurated in 2003 in Bulawayo as a national strategy meant to enhance sport development among youths below the age of 20.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has urged athletes representing the province in this year’s National Youth Games to win with humility and, if they lose, to lose with dignity.
Mugadza made the remarks on Wednesday as he officiated at the official send-off of Team Manicaland for the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games.
“My dear athletes, as you go to Marondera, remember five important values: discipline, teamwork, respect, determination and excellence. Compete hard, but compete fairly. Respect your coaches, officials, teammates and opponents.
Win with humility and accept defeat with dignity. Above all, conduct yourselves in a manner that makes your families and Manicaland proud. You are not simply going to compete; you are ambassadors of Manicaland. Wherever you go, demonstrate that our province is a province of talent, discipline, culture and excellence,” said Mugadza, further calling for continued stakeholder support for youth sporting activities.
“I also commend our coaches, team management, parents, schools, Government departments, the Sports and Recreation Commission, NASH, NAPH, sponsors and all partners for their support. Your investment in sport is an investment in the future of our young people and Zimbabwe. I call upon the private sector and other stakeholders to continue supporting our athletes by providing the facilities, equipment and opportunities needed to develop their talents.
“To Team Manicaland, believe in yourselves, believe in your preparation, believe in your coaches and believe in one another. When you step onto the field, court or track, remember: ‘I am Team Manicaland.’ The National Youth Games are also a platform for identifying talent that can go on to represent Zimbabwe at regional, continental and international level. Let us therefore nurture our young athletes and give them every opportunity to reach their full potential. Go to Marondera as competitors, ambassadors and one united team. On behalf of the Government and the people of Manicaland, I wish you a safe journey and a successful Games,” he said.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Chief Director for Manicaland Richard Gabaza, Provincial Recreation and Sports Development Committee member, Peter Dumbroplous, team general manager and Mavhudzi High head, Tendai Chiyanike and other officials graced the send-off ceremony.
The major objectives of the National Youth Games include exploiting sport as a platform for youth and life skills development, promoting sport infrastructural development in all communities in the country, promoting peace and unity in the country, as well as serving as a platform to identify, test, measure, evaluate and develop talent for our national teams.
