Zimbabwe’s National Youth and Paralympic Games are back after a six-year absence.
The highly anticipated event begins this week in Marondera, with all 10 provinces taking part.
Mashonaland East hosts this year’s competition, which starts on Thursday.
The Games will give young athletes valuable opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Furthermore, outstanding performers could attract attention from national team selectors.
Participants have already arrived in Marondera with strong ambitions for the competition.
Young athletes seize their opportunity
Several athletes said they were excited about competing after the lengthy break.
One athletics competitor hopes to build on an impressive season in school competitions.
“I specialise in athletics. I am a gold medallist for NASH competitions this year in the long jump category. I also participate in 100 metres and I am looking forward to excelling in my events,” one participant said.
Meanwhile, another competitor highlighted the Games’ wider social impact.
“We are here at Marondera High School for National Youth Games. We are here to compete and campaign against drug and substance abuse. I play netball and we are looking forward to win,” she said.
A Mashonaland East tennis player also welcomed the chance to represent the host province.
“I have been selected to play tennis at the National Youth Games. I’m playing for Mashonaland East. In terms of these youth games, I hope that we succeed, since we are hosting the sporting event,” the participant said.
Former world boxing champion Charles Manyuchi also celebrated the Games’ return.
Manyuchi believes the competition played an important role in developing his own career.
“I just want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for reintroducing the National Youth Games. I was groomed through the same process. From 2005 to 2008, I was a gold medallist under the Youth Games in Mashonaland East and Masvingo Provinces. These games help to strengthen national teams,” Manyuchi said.
Provinces target medals and national recognition
Provincial teams have meanwhile intensified their preparations ahead of the opening events.
Mashonaland East will compete across athletics, football, volleyball, tennis and boxing.
The province will also enter athletes in several Paralympic disciplines.
Mashonaland East General Manager Charles Gwenda expressed confidence in his team’s preparations.
“We have been preparing thoroughly for the games and we are over-ready. We are going to collect maximum medals for our province,” he said.
Harare Metropolitan Province has also set its sights on a successful campaign.
General Manager Technical Ropafadzo Matemavi said the province believes its preparations have gone well.
“As Harare province, we have come prepared for the games. We are satisfied with our preparations. We are happy that the youth games are back again on the sporting calendar. As Harare Metropolitan province, we are guaranteed of coming out on top,” she said.
National Youth and Paralympic Games chief executive officer Jack Makate confirmed widespread participation.
“Because of COVID-19, we stopped participating in the youth games for six years. Now we are returning back to the National Youth Games. All the 10 provinces confirmed their participation,” Makate said.
Officials have inspected and approved nine venues for the various competitions.
The Youth Games will run from August 13 to 18.
Meanwhile, the Paralympic Games will follow from August 20 to 26.
After six years away, the Games now offer Zimbabwe’s young athletes another pathway to national recognition.
They could also strengthen the country’s talent pipeline while encouraging healthy competition among young people.
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