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MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo is finalising preparations for the National Youth and Paralympic Games, with a 350-member delegation expected to represent the province scheduled for August 12 to 26 in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province.
The games will bring together athletes from all 10 provinces, with Masvingo sending competitors, officials and management teams for both the youth and Paralympic competitions.
The Mid-week Watch established that the Under-20 Youth Games will feature boys and girls competing in seven sport codes that includes football, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, tennis and boxing.
Masvingo Provincial Sports Coordinator, Lifa Mpofu, said the province was readying a strong team and emphasised the importance of inclusivity through the Paralympic Games.
“Masvingo Province has 350 athletes, including officials and management, who are attending the Youth and Paralympic Games,” said Mpofu.
“The Paralympic Games are for Under-20 boys and girls with disabilities. This shows inclusivity in our country in all sport activities.
“They will participate in five sport codes, including events for visually impaired athletes, hearing impaired athletes, goalball, where players are blindfolded and hearing impaired football,” he added.
Mpofu said the youth athletes will undergo an intensive training camp at Victoria High School from August 6 to 11 before departing for Marondera.
“On behalf of the athletes, we call for well-wishers to kindly donate financially, provide kits for the athletes, food and support for the camp and for the main event in Harare,” he said.
He explained that Paralympic athletes will begin their own camp at Victoria High School from August 15 to 19 before proceeding to their competition, which runs from August 20 to 26.
The Mid-week Watch has learnt that the youth athletes were selected from secondary schools across Masvingo Province through district and provincial competitions.
In addition, the Paralympic athletes also progressed through a similar pathway, beginning at ward level and moving through targeted schools that host Paralympic Games, including Kapota School.
General Manager of the Masvingo Provincial Youth and Paralympic Games Management Committee, Ruvai Euphrasia, said efforts to secure sponsorship were continuing.
“The provincial management is doing all it can in search of sponsorship for the games to be a success.
“Letters have been sent and we continue to look for more partners so that all our athletes will participate and receive all their needs during the period,” she said.
Euphrasia appealed to individuals, companies and organisations willing to assist the provincial team.
Donations can be made through the AFC Masvingo Youth and Paralympic Games accounts: USD Account 1031883656201 and ZWG Account 1031883656202.
