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Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
THIS year’s Zimbabwe National Youth Games are in doubt due to poor funding with Midlands joining the duo of Bulawayo and Harare in saying their participation in the competition to be held in Masvingo would be a mammoth task.Bulawayo and Harare are reeling in debt and have openly said they are finding the going tough.

On Friday, the Midlands Provincial Sport and Recreation Co-ordinator Simon Masaka said they were battling to raise $110,000 for the Games.

The competitions will run from August 16-24.

Masaka said lack of sponsorship had slowed their preparations and participation in this year’s event looked unlikely.

“The major problem we are facing right now is the issue of funding which involves bankrolling the selection process, camping, kitting and the affiliation fees of athletes. Each athlete is expected to fork out $80 to participate,” said Masaka.

He appealed to companies, provincial political leadership and individuals to come on board and assist the team with financial support.

The fundraising committee headed by provincial manager, Cephas Mutumhe, has approached mining companies and other organisations who are yet to respond to the plea.

“We have written letters to various local companies such as Mimosa and to the Community Share Ownership Trust but nothing has come up so far. We are therefore still appealing to well-wishers to come on board and help the team in cash or kind,” he said.

The provincial Youth Games committee has set up a budget of about $110,000.

Masaka said they could be forced to send a leaner team to the Games.

The Games are used as a platform to identify and nurture talent and are open to athletes below the age of 20.

Masaka said those willing to assist can deposit cash in the Midlands Youth Games account, CBZ Gweru Branch account number 01821698020022 or call 0712509195.