Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has commended the return of the National Youth and Paralympic Games, underscoring the pivotal role of sport in youth development and Government’s commitment to empowering young Zimbabweans through sporting programmes.
The National Youth and Paralympic Games have returned after a six-year hiatus.
The 2026 Games were held in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, and yesterday VP Mohadi, represented by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, officiated at the closing ceremony of the sporting extravaganza, paving the way for the commencement of the Paralympic Games.
“The Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games are far more than a sporting competition; they represent a strategic investment in the nation’s human capital and a tangible demonstration of Government’s commitment to empowering young Zimbabweans.
“These Games provide a structured national platform for identifying and nurturing talent, enabling promising athletes to develop and succeed. By bringing together young people from all provinces, the Games foster national identity, unity and a sense of belonging, while promoting healthy lifestyles, discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership.
“Crucially, the Games also serve as a preventative and rehabilitative tool in the fight against drug and substance abuse, offering constructive alternatives and support to vulnerable youth,” VP Mohadi said.
He added that, in line with the development aspirations of the Second Republic and Vision 2030, the Games contribute towards building an empowered, prosperous and inclusive upper-middle-income society, in keeping with the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The development of our young people must therefore remain central to the national agenda, for the Zimbabwe we build tomorrow depends on the opportunities we create for youth today.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the young athletes we see today are not merely beneficiaries of national development; they are its principal drivers and future custodians. The energy, creativity, innovation, talent and aspirations of Zimbabwe’s young people constitute one of our greatest national assets. It is therefore our collective responsibility to create platforms that enable young people to discover their abilities, acquire skills, build confidence and participate meaningfully in the development of our country.
“The values acquired on the sporting field discipline, commitment, teamwork, perseverance, respect and accountability are the same values required to build strong institutions, productive communities and a prosperous Zimbabwe. When we invest in the youth, we are investing directly in the future of our nation.”
VP Mohadi said sport enables young people to discover not only their athletic potential, but also leadership qualities, entrepreneurship skills, communication abilities, discipline and a sense of responsibility.
He said the Government views sport as far more than entertainment or recreation.
“Sport is a strategic instrument for national development; it enhances the physical and mental wellbeing of citizens, promotes healthy lifestyles, fosters discipline, creates meaningful opportunities for youth, and strengthens social cohesion by bringing communities together.”
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lieutenant-General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe said the return of the Games represented more than the resumption of a sporting event.
“It represents the rebuilding of an important link in our national sport development pathway. Every champion has a beginning. Before the international medals, there are local competitions. Before the national team, there are provincial colours. Before the Olympic or Paralympic podium, young athletes are standing on fields and courts such as these, discovering for the first time what they are capable of achieving.
“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture remains committed in its mission to ensure an enabling environment where Zimbabwean sport can not only survive, but powerfully thrive. As you might be aware, Honourable Vice President, the Ministry is aggressively driving the nationwide construction of multipurpose sport courts to decentralise access and awaken grassroots potential.
Just recently, we stood proudly in Mashonaland East for the official commissioning of the Hwedza
Multipurpose Sport Court, a tangible milestone in our quest to uplift rural communities. And our momentum does not stop here, we now look ahead with great anticipation to the upcoming commissioning of the Nkayi Multipurpose Court, extending this wave of sporting renaissance to every corner of our nation.”
Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said all stakeholders worked collectively to ensure the successful hosting of the Games in Mashonaland East.
