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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Midlands Province has started preparations for this year’s edition of the National Youth Games slated for August.

Midlands Provincial Sports and Recreation development officer Mr Simon Masaka said a Fundraising Dinner scheduled for May 25, will officially mark the beginning of preparations of the 16th edition of the National Youth Games.

“The fundraising dinner will take place at Midlands State University (MSU), which has turned out to be a major contributor in the preparations of the games,” said Mr Masaka.

He said $1,9 million had been budgeted for the games which are scheduled to start on August 15.

“We have submitted a budget of $1,9 million to the Sports and Recreation Commission and we are awaiting their response. It can be reduced or increased depending on a review to be done by the planning committee,” said Mr Masaka.

He said Gweru and Kwekwe cities will co-host the games.

“Most games will take place in Gweru while some, mostly indoor games and cricket will be played in Kwekwe,” he said.

Mr Masaka said most facilities were ready for use, while some still need sprucing up before the games.

“Most of the facilities are ready for use serve for a few that would require some touch-ups. We have Chaplin High School athletics track that will need to be spruced up.

“We also have the Josiah Tungamirai Airbase tennis court whose surface needs to be upgraded,” he said.

Other venues to be used include Regina Mundi High School, Midlands State University, Mkoba Teachers’ College, Thornhill High School, Ascot Stadium, Police Ground and Kwekwe Sports Club, among others.

Mr Masaka said the games, which have incorporated paralympics, will be held in two phases: “The first block, which will run from 15 to 20 August, will include the under-13 and under-18 age groups, while the second Block of under-23 age groups and virtual provinces will run from August 22 to 28,” he said.

Mr Masaka said the decision to incorporate paralympics was made to give equal opportunities to both disabled and able-bodied athletes.

Last year, the competitions introduced the under-23 category that has seen participation from community teams and institutions like the Zimbabwe National Army and tertiary institutions.