Sports / Local
Mugabe sets Zone Five games in motion
18 Sep 2014 at 18:44hrs | Views
President Mugabe says the Zone V youth games to be hosted by Zimbabwe in Bulawayo this coming December are an opportunity to revive the 'dying' city which has been hard hit by de-industrialization.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 youth games in Harare today Mugabe said "Bulawayo has been hard hit by illegal sanctions hence the games would be an opportunity to revive the city's economy.
Mugabe said sport plays a pivotal in society, as it cultivates friendship, tolerance, unity and cuts across regional racial and cultural borders.
President Mugabe said participants at the games will develop skills such as team work, goal getting and pursuit of excellence.
The torch lighting ceremony was attended by Vice President Joice Mujuru, ministers, senior government officials, the games local organising committee and athletes.
President Mugabe was delighted with the country's hosting of an event he said is critical in developing Zimbabwean sport as well as infrastructure.
President Mugabe said Bulawayo has been the hardest hit by the illegal sanctions among all cities, adding that the games are an opportunity of reviving Bulawayo, once Zimbabwe's industrial hub.
Those who attended the torch lighting ceremony had the opportunity to listen to the games song at an event where invited guests were entertained by Bulawayo dance group, Iyasa.
The Region 5 games mascot was also unveiled to the President who urged athletes that will compete at the regional sporting showpiece to practice hard and exhibit fair play.
President Mugabe expressed hope that the games will be a success, adding that there is need to ensure they are sufficiently financed.
He said he wishes to see sport develop into a vibrant industry and urged the industry to gear up to supply commodities required for the games, thereby creating employment.
The President also thanked the Minister of Arts, Sport and Culture, Andrew Langa and his deputy, Tabitha Kanengoni Malinga for their hard work in the ministry.
He also paid tribute to the organisers of the event and also those who contributed, for their commitment and made special mention of former minister David Coltart's contribution to the preparations.
He called for the spirit of oneness and unhu/ubuntu as the torch moves around the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 youth games in Harare today Mugabe said "Bulawayo has been hard hit by illegal sanctions hence the games would be an opportunity to revive the city's economy.
Mugabe said sport plays a pivotal in society, as it cultivates friendship, tolerance, unity and cuts across regional racial and cultural borders.
President Mugabe said participants at the games will develop skills such as team work, goal getting and pursuit of excellence.
The torch lighting ceremony was attended by Vice President Joice Mujuru, ministers, senior government officials, the games local organising committee and athletes.
President Mugabe was delighted with the country's hosting of an event he said is critical in developing Zimbabwean sport as well as infrastructure.
President Mugabe said Bulawayo has been the hardest hit by the illegal sanctions among all cities, adding that the games are an opportunity of reviving Bulawayo, once Zimbabwe's industrial hub.
The Region 5 games mascot was also unveiled to the President who urged athletes that will compete at the regional sporting showpiece to practice hard and exhibit fair play.
President Mugabe expressed hope that the games will be a success, adding that there is need to ensure they are sufficiently financed.
He said he wishes to see sport develop into a vibrant industry and urged the industry to gear up to supply commodities required for the games, thereby creating employment.
The President also thanked the Minister of Arts, Sport and Culture, Andrew Langa and his deputy, Tabitha Kanengoni Malinga for their hard work in the ministry.
He also paid tribute to the organisers of the event and also those who contributed, for their commitment and made special mention of former minister David Coltart's contribution to the preparations.
He called for the spirit of oneness and unhu/ubuntu as the torch moves around the country.
Source - zbc
