Use sport as tool for development: Modi

Peter Phiri Sports Correspondent
SPORT should be used as a tool for development hence the Sport and Recreation Commission’s motto of “Development of and through Sport.”
This was said by the Games’ chief executive officer and local businessman Raji Modi during the ground breaking ceremony on the 2013 Zimbabwe National Youth Games facilities rehabilitation at Luveve High School yesterday.
Modi encouraged the contractors who are working on the facilities to work hard and swift so as to finish their work in time.

‘‘We want to encourage our contractors to do their best hoping that the cementing of the marriage we have entered into today will create a lasting relationship between us all. We are confident that more on the line of sport is coming for the community of Bulawayo,’’ said Modi.

Work on the rehabilitation of facilities and construction of new ones is still in progress.
Whether the organising committee will beat the 31 July deadline is another question but Modi is hopeful that they will do it.
‘‘It is the legacy of these Games which we are marking by today’s (yesterday) ceremony. I am most humbled by the presence of our partners into this community development who include among others Zinara, Bulawayo City Council and all service providers in the area of playing facilities and accommodation. This ground breaking ceremony has been held when we only have two weeks remaining before we have the second and final general managers’ session. This session will come and weigh-in on our being on track with the hosting of these games,’’ he said.

Ambassador of the games and chief executive officer of Zinara Frank Chitukutuku in a speech read on his behalf by Engineer Moses Juma, echoed Modi’s sentiments by saying they want to assist the Bulawayo community by developing sporting and road infrastructure that makes the hosting of the Games possible.

‘‘As Zinara we want to do social corporate responsibility by developing road infrastructure and sporting facilities as well. Soundy infrastructure enables development of a community and by end of July we should have developed modern roads that link the games facilities. All sporting facilities should be refurbished by end of July,’’ said Chitukutuku.

He also urged the people to use sport as a language for communication.
‘‘Sport should be used as a language for communication by people of all backgrounds because everyone understands this language. I am even urging the private sector to drive business through sport,’’ said Chitukutuku.

Kays Kanyangarara representing the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture said sport can expose young talent and raise profile and standards.

‘‘Sport can actually expose young talent to stardom through these games. Through these games we get future players for various national teams for Zimbabwe. One notable athlete who came through these Games is Ngonidzaishe Makusha who is doing very well outside the country’s borders.

Makusha came from Seke in rural Mashonaland East but because of these Games his talent was exposed. Now he is doing wonders for himself and raising the country’s flag high,’’ said Kanyangarara who is a former hockey player.

Kanyangarara said sport can be used as a booming industry that can absorb the unemployed youths scattered around the country.
‘‘It is not accidental that sport is a booming industry that can absorb unemployed youths. I hope Bulawayo will put up a glittering show during the Games,’’ said Kanyangarara.

Provincial education director Dan Moyo thanked the Bulawayo City Council for playing the true role of being a City Father by providing their equipment free of charge to rehabilitate the roads and the refurbishment of facilities.

‘‘I would like to thank the Bulawayo City Council for providing their equipment free of charge.
“We are using these facilities for rehabilitating our roads and sporting facilities as well as developing new ones.

“The City Fathers should be commended for playing their part by working towards the good of the city,’’ said Moyo.
According to Moyo these facilities which are being developed now will be used by future generations and not forgetting the Zone Six Games which the city is playing host to in December next year.

‘‘These facilities are for future generations to use and we should not forget the Zone Six Games we are playing host to next year. As Bulawayo we are ready to host these Games,’’ said Moyo.

The theme for the Games is: “Royalty Hosts Youths Games, Promoting Friendship, Peace and National Development through Youth Games.”