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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
SPORT, Youth, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry has been appointed chairperson of the Senegal Youth Olympic Games Co-ordination Commission.

Senegal was this week granted the rights to play host to the 2022 edition of the Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first ever African country to be bestowed with this honour.

Coventry, who is in Argentina as Chef de Mission for Team Zimbabwe at the ongoing Youth Olympic Games, took to her official Twitter account to announce the appointment yesterday.

“I have just been appointed chairperson of the Senegal Youth Olympic Games Co-ordination Commission 2022. This means I will be working even more closely with our Senegal family to create a successful African Olympics. #Senegal #YouthOlympics #Olympics #Youth#Africa,” she wrote.

A holder of seven Olympic swimming medals as well as medals in the All-Africa Games and the Fina World Championships, Coventry is also chairperson of the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

Commenting soon after the awarding of hosting rights to Senegal on Monday, Coventry said she was proud and excited before assuring Senegal of her support in ensuring the 2022 Youth Olympic Games are a resounding success.

“I am incredibly proud and excited that the Youth Olympics are coming to our great African continent. Senegal will be the first African country to host an Olympics.

“Ubuntu is not a phrase, but a philosophy which to me means ‘I am because we are’ — Team Senegal, know that we stand firmly next to you as you take up this wonderful opportunity. We will support you to deliver amazing Games in 2022 because your success is our success. Congratulations. Makorokoto, amhlophe,” she wrote.