adminAmai Mujuru was the guest of honour at a fundraising dinner at the Rainbow Towers.
“This year’s Games are being held under the theme, ‘Harnessing Youth Talent Through Sport’. This theme is a clarion call for the pooling of information, financial, human and material resources so that the sporting talent inhibited by the youths can be exposed,” said Amai Mujuru.
“For us to successfully organise and run the 10th edition of the Games, we need everyone to rise in their own way and provide the necessary resources.
“A wise man once said ‘a feast is for laughter and wine makes merry but money answers all things’. Indeed, what would we do without money?
“The successful hosting of the Games requires an estimated US$2 million. This amount will ensure the professional conduct of the Games and support of activities ranging from medals and awards, fireworks displays, security, uniforms for the different sporting disciplines ranging from aquatics to athletics, basketball, cycling, football, gymnastics, tennis and volleyball, just but to mention a few.”
She called on companies to come on board and help.
“Ladies and gentleman, today (Thursday) I therefore call upon every one of us in the corporate sector, parastatals, our development partners, NGOs, other philanthropists and friends of Zimbabwe to fully support the 10th Zimbabwe National Youth Games,” said Amai Mujuru.
“I hold fast the view that one’s value is measured by how much value they add to other people’s lives at individual, community, sectoral or national level.
“Greater is the man who looks beyond his own personal needs in order to meet the needs of others.”
She said sport needed to be introduced at childhood to attain the best possible results.
“It is evident that through sport our youths learn to become more resilient and persevering. As they interact, they appreciate the diversity among themselves, which in turn fosters friendships.
“The transformation of sport over the years from a display of talent and skill to a highly rewarding career has been accompanied by other positive externalities.”
Amai Mujuru said there was need for continuous investment in new facilities and transportation system.
“For us to have sustainable sport development there is need for continuous investment in new facilities and transportation systems through joint ventures between Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.
“This also applies to the need for renovation of facilities around Bindura and other venues for the Games.”
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Lazarus Dokora, said they want the next edition of the Youth Games to set the benchmarks.
“The industry have an opportunity to brand the Games in all sections, we want the Games to be a great success, historical and memorable to all.
“Endorsement by the highest office was critical for the success of the Games,” said Dokora.
Local organising committee chief executive officer, Stan Kasukuwere, said most of the facilities were not yet up to the required standards because of lack of funds.
“Although pledges were made they have not been honoured. Some venues still need to be improved as they are not in best condition,” said Kasukuwere.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu