Zimpapers Logo

Geophrey Sifani, Sports Reporter
THE Local Organising Committee (Loc) of the 2016 National Paralympics Games is optimistic of staging a successful event despite failure to mobilise adequate funding due to the prevailing economic challenges.

The Games will be held from March 31 to April 4 and the official launch and fundraising ceremony will now be held tomorrow at the Gwanda District Club offices.

The Loc general manager Abinel Mseva said although not all was rosy on the funding front, logistical preparations were well on course and they had received positive responses from teams that will take part in the Games.

“We’re happy the teams are coming forth. So far we have raised $6,000 that helped us cover some expenses, but we’re still short of funding to complete refurbishment of the stadia and games village,” said Mseva.

The main venue Pelandaba Stadium is in the process of getting a major uplift with assistance from the Gwanda Municipality to ensure smooth running of the process.

The Games will also serve as preparations for the AUSC Under-20 Youth Games that will be held in Luanda, Angola, in December and the Rio Paralympics. Laina Sithole and Shepherd Gumede have already qualified for the 100m and 200m after posting impressive times at the African Games held in Congo Brazzaville in September 2015.