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Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa says the torch run for the African Union Games Region Five Games has now been passed through eight out of the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe.

The torch was lit by President Mugabe at State House on September 19 and has been presented to the various provinces to raise awareness on the Under-20 Games.

Bulawayo will host the regional games from December 4 to 14 and Langa said President Mugabe will officially light the flame at Barbourfields to mark the official opening ceremony.

“As we are aware, the Games torch was lit on September 19 at State House and now the torch has passed through eight provinces.

“So, we have one more province to cover before we do the official opening on December 4 at Barbourfields in Bulawayo,” said Langa.

Langa said the Games; to be held at eight venues across the city, have created a lot of anticipation among the residents. The technical team on Thursday announced a team of 224 athletes to represent Zimbabwe in nine sports codes — athletics, athletics for visually impaired, basketball, boxing, football, netball, swimming, judo and tennis.

“We are trying to make sure that people in Bulawayo are aware that the important Games will take place here in Zimbabwe. “In terms of accommodation and entertainment for the visitors, I am sure we are ready. “What we have done as a Ministry, in particular, and Government, in general, would leave Bulawayo as a different place because our aim is to make sure that we leave a legacy with these Games,” said Langa.

Langa said Hillside Teachers’ College, which will be used as the Games Village, has been given a facelift while renovations are almost complete at Barbourfields, White City, Luveve and Bulawayo Swimming Pool.

“We all know that funds are difficult to come by, not only here in Zimbabwe but the whole world but the Ministry of Finance has done their best to avail some for the works.

“Some of funds will come late but I am happy to say that out of the total budget we had requested for, we have received more than US$10 million and I am certain that we will receive what we have requested.

“We are ready as Zimbabwe to host the Under-20 Youth Games in December and these Games will be officially opened by His Excellency President Mugabe on December 4 and the Games start on the fifth,” said Langa. — Sportszone