Youth Games affiliation fees pegged at $80

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
AFFILIATION fees for the 13th edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games have been maintained at $80 per athlete, an official has confirmed. The decision was reached after the realisation that most provinces faced serious financial problems. A majority of provinces have at least 200 athletes, although some have in the past two editions chosen to carry only medal hopefuls in an effort to cut costs.

“We decided to stick to last year’s figure upon realising that provinces aren’t in good financial standing. We saw no sense in increasing the affiliation fee when the provinces were actually struggling to pay $80 last year,” said Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) communications manager Tirivashe Nheweyembwa.

The Games will be held in the Manicaland provincial capital of Mutare from August 15-23 and athletes are set to compete in such disciplines as basketball, volleyball, boxing, athletics, netball, football and tennis.

Defending champions Harare have dominated the Games since their inception in 2003 and will once again start as favourites, although Bulawayo, Masvingo and hosts Manicaland cannot be ruled out.

“As per our critical milestone position, provinces were expected to pay 50 percent of the total amount by June 5 so that we avoid crisis management when the Games begin,” said Nheweyembwa.

The provinces, according to the critical milestone resolution, were also expected to have submitted their numbers team lists by June 1 and entry by name by August 12.

“Most, if not all, provinces will be in camp by August 12 and so it will be easier to submit team lists by name,” said Nheweyembwa.

The Games’ athletics competition will now be held at the Hillcrest fields after Sakubva Stadium’s track was condemned.

About $300,000 is needed to refurbish the Sakubva track but the Mutare City Council, who are the owners of the stadium, could not raise the money.

The Zimbabwe National Youth Games are a national strategy aimed at identifying and nurturing youthful sporting talent and are held on a rotational basis among the country’s 10 provinces.