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Cain Mathema

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
TECHNICAL experts and provincial Chef de Missions will tomorrow begin a tour of the various sporting facilities set for use in the rebranded Zimbabwe National Youth Games in Matabeleland North Province.

The tour will start from Bulawayo and end in Victoria Falls ahead of the official launch of the games at Hwange’s Edmund Davies Hall on Friday to be officiated by Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cain Mathema.

The delegation will make a decision on the usability of the facilities and also come up with rules and regulations for the games after the tour.

“The delegation will start in Bulawayo, travel to Lupane, Hwange, Victoria Falls and back to Hwange for conclusion of the tour and decision-making on facilities, logistics plan and rules and regulations,” said Sport and Recreation Commission acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere.

Swimming, hockey, rowing, rugby and cricket are tentatively set for Bulawayo and Matabeleland South.

According to the Games’ chief executive officer Burzil Dube, assessment is still underway at Bubi-Lupane Dam, which is earmarked for rowing, and Victoria Falls Swimming Pool, which is likely to host the swimming event.

The local organising committee has, however, confirmed that Hwange will play host to volleyball, netball, boxing, athletics, weightlifting, karate and tennis, while chess, darts, pool, golf and tennis will be held in Victoria Falls.

Cycling and basketball will be held in Lupane at Fatima and Mabhikwa High schools respectively.

New sport codes for the rebranded games include rowing, swimming, rugby, hockey, cricket, pool, chess, darts, gymnastics, weightlifting, martial arts, cycling, table tennis and traditional games.

Hwange is the command centre and will host the opening and closing ceremonies, whose dates are yet to be announced.

All athletes will be accommodated in schools and a budget of $2 million has been set aside for the games.

@skhumoyo2000