adminCaroline Magenga Sports Reporter
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa says recent performances by young athletes should spur the national team as they set off for Youth Olympic Games slated for Nanjing, China.The Zimbabwe delegation, which comprises 10 athletes and seven officials, is expected to leave on Monday with confidence high despite being a small contingent.
Langa gave a word of encouragement in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, and said his office is determined to give priority to youth development in the Sports Policy that is being crafted to ensure there is more participation at the grassroots level.
Seven of the athletes were part of the team that won 10 medals at the Africa Youth Games held recently in Botswana and Langa said this was a powerful signal that “we need to focus strongly on our junior development programmes in the country.”
“These games come after the good performance of the Zimbabwe athletes at the 2nd Africa Youth Games held in Botswana in May 2014, where Zimbabwe attained 18th position out of 54 countries, winning 10 medals.
“The athletes’ performance signals that we need to focus strongly on our junior development programmes in the country. Be assured that our Sports Policy will include this.
“My ministry is taking all possible measures to encourage more participation in sport and recreational activities including the provision of sporting and recreational facilities for all young people like you,” Langa said.
The Zimbabwe delegation will be led by chef de mission Titus Zvomuya and will participate in the five disciplines, namely athletics, rowing, triathlon, equestrian and swimming.
Langa expressed confidence in the squad ahead of the challenging events emphasising that the Games were not primarily about medals but ensuring that the country was represented well.
“I believe that your performance at the Nanjing Games will test your skills against some of the best junior athletes in the world, but I am confident that you will give your best. Your best performance will be our prize and any winning performance will be our bonus.
“May I remind you to participate with pride and courage and remember that you have the support of the entire nation behind you,” Langa said.
Meanwhile, the athletes themselves expressed confidence that they are going to make their nation proud.
Middle-distance runner Enlitha Ncube, who is booked for the 3 000 metres race, said she was looking forward to competing next week.
“I am excited about this trip. I am in good shape, fit and confident that I will perform well. Win or lose, I am going out there to make my nation proud and do my best.”
Ncube, who ran barefoot in the 1 500m at the recent World Junior Championships in the United States, is rated fourth in Africa.
YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES TEAM
Athletics
Enlitha Ncube, Mary Joy Mudyiravanji, Titus Nyati. Coach: Briad Nhubu
Triathlon
Serena Rendell, Drew Williams. Coach: Pamela Fulton
Rowing
Daniella du Toit, Kyle Hinde. Coach: Joanne Swanepoel
Aquatics (Swimming)
Robyn Lee, Chad Lensohn. Coach: Lorna Riley
Equestrian
Sophie Teede. Coach: Charley Crockart
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