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Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa, has thanked the government, members of the public and the business community after the successful hosting of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games.

The Games saw 10 countries competing in eight different sporting disciplines at different venues around the city.

President Mugabe officially opened the Games at Barbourfields Stadium where he challenged the youths to abstain from drug abuse.

“Let me begin by thanking His Excellency, President Mugabe, for the unwavering support he gave to the hosting of the Games. After signing the Protocol Agreement to host the Games, President Mugabe chose the City of Bulawayo to host the Games.

“He remained resolute and believed firmly that we were going to deliver as Bulawayo and that’s what we did,” said Langa.

He said President Mugabe promptly intervened each time there were funding challenges resulting in the money being released quickly for the different projects.

Langa revealed that more than $17 million was spent on infrastructure and operations.

“To date about $13 million was released towards infrastructure development and about $4 million was released for operations.

“I’m grateful to all Zimbabweans for the moral support. To the people of Bulawayo, you made us surpass the attendance figures of the past Games. The team spirit and hospitality exhibited by Zimbabweans throughout the Games is commendable,” said Langa who, together with his entire senior staff, had to relocate to Bulawayo for the duration of the Games.

The Minister thanked the various media houses that covered the Games saying people from the entire region and beyond were kept abreast about the Games by the media.

“The Games were positively covered and I’d like to commend the media for a job well done. Team Zimbabwe responded well to the support they received from their local fans, they came second after South Africa, harvesting a total of 94 medals, 18 gold, 41 silver and 35 bronze medals. I’d like to applaud Team Zimbabwe for the bravery they displayed during the Games,” said Langa.