SCSA Zone VI chairperson hails sport ministry

Sport
SCSA Zone VI chairperson of the executive commit Vetumbuavi Veii from Namibia congratulated the newly-born Sport, Arts and Culture ministry in Zimbabwe

SUPREME Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) Zone VI chairperson of the executive commit Vetumbuavi Veii from Namibia yesterday congratulated the newly-born Sport, Arts and Culture ministry in Zimbabwe saying it is a welcome development for the betterment of sports in the country and the region. Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe will battle against countries like South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Swaziland and Botswana in the Zone V1 Youth Games to be hosted in Bulawayo in December next year.

Addressing delegates and the media in the ongoing Zone VI conference Veii emphasised the importance of sports.

“I would like to congratulate the newly born ministry of sports in this country. This is a welcome development that I am optimistic will bring sports in Zimbabwe and the region to greater heights. Sports should be recognised in All countries. Think of any 25–year-old or below individuals who are millionaires in Africa, most of them are sports people. Sports is also a unifying factor, that is why we are meeting delegates from different here today,” Veii said.

The new ministry was announced this year, divorcing sport from the ministry of education — a development that the sporting fraternity has been calling for, as they were complaints that sports was being overshadowed by education in the previous years.

In the speech that was read by permanent secretary Thokozile Chitepo on behalf of the Sport, Arts and Culture ministerAndrew Langa who could not attend, he pledged government support for hosting of the games.

“The executive committee meeting is taking place at a very important time as we are getting ready for hosting of the Under- 20 Youth Games to be held in December 2014. Allow me to reiterate the government’s commitment to the hosting of the games despite the challenges our economy is facing.

“The region’s plan demands our participation in the activities and programmes that will enhance its status as the best sport region in the continent. We still need to work harder at developing winning athletes who will bring medals from the intercontinental competitions worldwide,” he said.

The delegates also had a closed door meeting soon after yesterday’s conference.