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Ray Bande in MUTARE
PREPARATIONS for this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to be held here are going ahead with the Local Organising Committee expecting President Mugabe to officially open the showcase. The 13th edition of the National Youth Games is scheduled for August 15 to 23. Speaking at media briefing yesterday, LOC chief executive, Cosmas Chiringa, said they were happy with the progress made.

“The preparations for the hosting of the 13th edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games by Manicaland province are going quite well,” said Chiringa.

“We have officially invited His Excellency to officially open the Games.

“So far, the province has managed to mobilise enough food to be used during the Games. All district administrators are mobilising resources in their respective districts and so far the LOC is happy with the response from different communities in the province, not forgetting the overwhelming support from the traditional leaders.

“We also continue appealing to the corporate community to continue chipping in with assistance in cash and kind for the success of these Games.”

Chiringa dismissed media reports that preparations for the Games were in a shambles.

About 3 500 athletes and officials from the county’s 10 provinces as well as Team Manica from Mozambique are expected to take part in the Games.

Team Manica were invited by the Games patron and Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs, Mandi Chimene.

“We are one with the Mozambicans and I personally took it upon myself to invite them because this is one of the ways we can foster the already existing unity between Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” said Chimene.