FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Team Masvingo has intensified preparations for the upcoming Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games set for Marondera in August 2026, with provincial leadership calling on stakeholders to support the team.
The Zimbabwe National Youth Games will run from August 13 to 20 while the Paralympic Games are scheduled for August 23 to 30 in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province.
In a press briefing statement released yesterday (6 May), General Manager of Team Masvingo, Euphrasia Chadzamira said preparations had officially moved into high gear as the province aims to make a strong impact at the national games.
Chadzamira said Masvingo was not travelling to Marondera merely to participate but to compete for top honours and restore provincial pride through sport.
“Our mandate as the provincial management committee is clear. We are not going to Marondera merely to participate; we are going to compete, to dominate, and to bring glory back to the Great Zimbabwe province,” said Chadzamira.
She said the province possesses abundant sporting talent drawn from all seven districts across Masvingo.
Team Masvingo is expected to participate in eight sporting disciplines during the National Youth Games and seven disciplines during the Paralympic Games.
Chadzamira revealed that the management team recently held a strategic meeting with the Patron of the Games for Masvingo Province, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who pledged full support for the initiative.
“The Patron’s message was unequivocal. He has officially called upon every citizen, every business, and every leader in Masvingo to rally behind our provincial team,” she said.
She added that investing in young athletes was an investment in the future leaders and ambassadors of the province.
However, Chadzamira noted that achieving success at the national stage requires more than talent alone, emphasizing the need for financial resources, training equipment, transport logistics and nutritional support.
“This is where we call upon our stakeholders,” she said.
She appealed to the corporate sector, local businesses, civic organisations, the diaspora and well-wishers to partner Team Masvingo through sponsorships and other forms of assistance.
“To the business community: Partnering with Team Masvingo is not just corporate social responsibility; it is a prime opportunity to align your brand with excellence, youth empowerment, and provincial pride,” said Chadzimira.
She said the province wants athletes to proudly carry the brands of sponsors as they compete on the national stage in Marondera.
Chadzimira also stressed the importance of unity and collective responsibility in supporting young athletes.
“The journey to Marondera starts today. We cannot do this alone. These are our children, and this is our province. Let us stand united, pool our resources and give our youth the platform they deserve to shine on the national stage,” she said.
She added that Team Masvingo’s Information and Publicity department, led by Assistant General Manager for Information and Marketing, Works Gezani is ready to engage with potential sponsors and partners ahead of the games.
