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Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Abedinico Ncube hands over the torch to team Mat South athletes while Provincial Administrator Midard Khumalo (Right) looks on

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Abedinico Ncube, yesterday received and lit the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games torch as the nation gets closer to the competition.

Bulawayo will play host to the Games from December 5 to 14 under the theme “Reaching for Greatness.”

Eleven countries will participate in the Games in athletics, basketball, boxing, judo, football, netball, swimming and tennis.

The province received the torch from Midlands at a ceremony held at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.

The torch will now head to Matabeleland North.

“Today the torch relay symbolises the coming together of the region for the Games as well as kick starting the awareness campaign through the province. It’s also a symbol of joy and of giving power and respect to life through sport.

“Through the light from the torch, I seek divine nature and divine presence during the preparation and hosting of the Games. The fire from the torch will be bright, warm and energetic as it’s also seen as a symbol of truth and order,” said Ncube.

“As I relay the torch to Matabeleland North Province, I would urge the organisers and the participants to practice good sportsmanship through fair play and let the deserving athletes “Reach for Greatness,” he said.

Ncube said the country was happy to play host to the Games which came at the right moment after having developed the economic blueprint, ZimAsset, which is in line with African Union and Sadc principles.

Sport and Recreation Commission director for business development and marketing, Daniel Kuwengwa, who represented Sport, Art and Culture Minister Andrew Langa, said the ministry was committed to ensuring a successful hosting of the Games.

“My Ministry is working in collaboration with several key players in government, the business sector and non-governmental organisations. As the efforts intensify towards the date of the Games, they’re working tirelessly well above and beyond the expectations of normal duty,” he said.