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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE inspection tour of sporting and accommodation facilities for the Zimbabwe National Youth Games kicked off in Bulawayo yesterday with the team noting a few challenges that need to be attended to at Kumalo Hockey Stadium and the Heath Streak and Busters Cricket academies.

The touring delegation comprised Games’ officials from schools, uniformed services, the community as well as tertiary institutions.

“The officials managed to tour Kumalo Hockey Stadium, Heath Streak Cricket Academy, Busters Cricket Academy, BMX Cycling Club, Bulawayo Athletics Club, Bulawayo Swimming Bath and ended the tour with a visit to the United College of Education where the athletes and their officials will be accommodated,” said Sport and Recreation Commission spokesperson Tirivashe Nheweyembwa.

He said the touring party noted the need to repair the water valve and pump.

“At Heath Streak and Busters Cricket Academies, the delegates noted that there has to be a continuous watering of the fields so that they become green by the time of the Games. Though it was noted that swimming was out of season, the delegation was advised that two weeks was needed to spruce up the pool. Members also noted that UCE could accommodate 480 athletes in single rooms, although it had the capacity to accommodate 1 500 people,” said Nheweyembwa.

The delegation left for the host province Matabeleland North yesterday where they were expected to visit other accommodation centres, such as Fatima High School and Lupane State University as well as Marist Brothers Secondary School before proceeding to Hwange and Victoria Falls.

The official launch of the Games is in Hwange tomorrow and it will be preceded by an induction workshop for sport directors and a general assembly.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cain Mathema will officially launch the Games at the Edmund Davies Hall.

@skhumoyo2000