Zimpapers Logo

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the National Youth Games have appealed to the provinces to pay their athletes’ participation fees as the annual event draws closer. The Games are scheduled to run from August 15 to 23 in Mutare with the country’s 10 provinces expected to take part.

Participants will compete in athletics, basketball, boxing, football, handball, netball and volleyball.

The participation fee is $80 per athlete and each province is expected to field an average of 176 athletes.

At the moment only two provinces – Bulawayo and Matabeleland North – have paid the participation fee.

Bulawayo paid $9 200 and Matabeleland North paid $4 800.

Sports Commission corporate communications officer, Tirivashe Nheweyembwa, urged the provinces to make their payments ahead of the Games.

“The preparations have been a bit slow especially at provincial level. But we are happy most of the provinces have started the selection of their teams.

“For instance, Harare were selecting their team over the weekend.

“We would like to strongly appeal to the provinces that they have to pay their deposits so that the local organising committee can effectively and efficiently plan for the Games.

“The athletes participating fee was pegged at $80 per athlete and covers their meals and accommodation, which I think is very modest.

“It’s unfortunate that we have not graduated into a situation where we are able to pay the money ahead of the Games,” said Nheweyembwa.

Games Project manager, Martin Dururu, said most provinces have indicated that they were facing financial problems.

“I think as far as hosting is concerned Mutare are ready. The sports fields are ready, we have been carrying out fundraising activities.”