By ZBC Reporter
Youths from Nyanga and Mutasa have been given an opportunity to showcase their talent after the launch of a sports tournament which is also part of government’s development thrust.
The sports tournament which was launched in Mutasa this Saturday is part of a roadmap to transform sport into a vibrant industrial sector.
This was said by the Minister of youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Dr Kirsty Coventry who also underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach in developing sport.
The official launch signifies the start of a six-week tournament which will lead to a grand final in November or December. This development is in line with the ideals of vision 2030 on sport development. The development of sport should not be left to government alone. It requires a multi sectoral approach which involves government, private sector and development partners. My ministry will create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors to support our sport and recreational programmes. All sport clubs,academies,associations and related enterprises will be supported to in order to produce quality athletes, teams, products and services to compete at local regional and international stages, said Coventry.
The Minister of Defence and War veterans Affairs Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri said the sports tournament is part of government’s development agenda.
We have come up with a development road map in our district starting up with sport as one of our priority areas. We launched this event today and we hope by the end of November or December we are going to have the finals. I am happy that the AAG donated 15 000 dollars that i already have for the finals. We are hoping that we are going to attract a lot of youths to attended. Over and above sports development we are looking at partnering AAG and Young women for ED to empower the youths economically, she said.
The Zimbabwe Football Association donated sports equipment with ZIFA President Felton Kamambo saying the tournament dovetails with plans by his organisation to promote sport development across the country.
These programmes and youth league that we are going to introduce will help our national team coaches to scout for talent in rural areas to contribute for the national team. When we heard of this gathering we then thought of taking advantage to donate the equipment we bought for the youths. We will have about 10 teams in each district country wide. Our aim is to give equal opportunity to rural boys and girls, he said.
The Affirmative Action Group and Young Women for ED are also in full support of such initiatives with the focus on increased support towards women teams that have a record of doing well in international tournaments.