ZIMBABWE will host the 2014 edition of the biannual African Union (AU) Sport Council Region 5, U-20 Youth Games in December next year in Bulawayo, that will see the construction and refurbishment of sports infrastructure in the City.
The Youth Games will be the first biggest event the new ministry hosts and a budget of US$46 million is needed to see the successful hosting of the biannual tournament.
A local organising committee is already in place chaired by Charles Dzimba, which is operating from Khumalo Hockey Stadium.
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa confirmed the development this Wednesday.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is proud to host the biennial AU Sport Council Region 5 U-20 Youth Games in December 2014 in the City of Bulawayo,” he said.
Region 5 is the new block where Southern African countries fall under.
Previously before July 2013, the region was Zone VI.
A meeting in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in July dissolved the Supreme Council of Sport in Africa and the new AU Sport Council divided the continent into five regions.
Meanwhile, a meeting of ministers of sport from the region will converge in Bulawayo today (Friday) where Zimbabwe shall assume, through the minister of Sport, the chairmanship of the Sport Development Region 5 for the next two years.
Zimbabwe shall assume the membership of the Bureau of AU Ministers of Sport as Rapporteur.
Zimbabwe will benefit in a number of ways in the hosting and assuming of the regional chair.
The country will be chair for the next two years.