By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Province has mobilised US$250 000 to support Team Midlands ahead of the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympics Games scheduled for Marondera this month.
The funds were officially handed over by the Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, during a ceremony held in Kwekwe.
Speaking at the event, Ncube said the donation would cater for transport, sporting equipment, accommodation and other logistical requirements for the provincial team.
“This massive support demonstrates the province’s resolve as a leading local resource mobilisation community,” he said.
Ncube said the investment in sport was in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which recognises sport as a vehicle for youth development, employment creation and economic growth.
He also commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting the development of the country’s sports, arts, recreation and culture sectors through what he described as enabling policies and investment in sports infrastructure.
Ncube urged the team to compete with discipline, avoid drug and substance abuse and uphold the province’s reputation.
“I encourage you to compete with discipline and determination and abstain from drug and substance abuse during your tour in Marondera,” he said.
“Be ambassadors of Midlands Province by demonstrating good sportsmanship both on and off the field of play. Your participation is not only about winning medals but also about building character, fostering friendship and promoting national unity.”
Ncube also stressed the need for accountability in the management of the funds, saying those responsible for administering the money should ensure it was used only for its intended purpose.
“I have every confidence that Team Midlands will make the province proud at the Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympics Games,” he said.
He added that although the contributions had initially been raised in cash, the funds would be deposited into a bank account for security reasons, acknowledging the presence of CBZ Bank representatives at the handover ceremony.
Ncube also encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting provincial development initiatives as Midlands works towards achieving Vision 2030.
Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament for Mbizo Constituency Vongaishe Mupereri, who chaired the resource mobilisation committee, said the province had raised the US$250 000 through contributions from the business community and individual well-wishers.
“We initially raised US$110 000 and later mobilised the remainder. I want to thank the business community and individuals for their support,” he said.
Mupereri said the committee would monitor the utilisation of the funds to ensure accountability.
“I assure you that this money will be used for the intended purposes. We will monitor how the funds are used,” he said.
He challenged Team Midlands to make the province proud by preparing adequately for the competition.
“We urge our youth to be victorious at the games. Those in charge must make sure that the team is training and ready for the games,” he said.
The 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympics Games will bring together athletes from all of Zimbabwe’s provinces to compete in various sporting disciplines in Marondera.
