Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Albert Mavunga has urged stakeholders in Bulawayo to support Team Bulawayo’s fundraising drive ahead of the 2026 National Youth and Paralympic Games in Marondera.
Speaking at the Team Bulawayo Youth and Paralympic Games Fundraising Dinner held at Hotel St Patrick’s on Friday, Minister Mavunga said the community had a responsibility to ensure that young athletes from Bulawayo get the opportunity to participate in the games.
He said the fundraising initiative was aimed at mobilising resources to support athletes, coaches and officials representing Bulawayo Metropolitan Province.
“Our failure tonight to resource Team Bulawayo will also be our failure to be a responsible community that provides for its children,” Hon. Mavunga said.
He said participation in the games could provide athletes with an important pathway to greater opportunities, including selection to represent Zimbabwe at the 2026 Under-19 AUSC Region 5 Games in Mozambique.
“Marondera is not the end, it is the launchpad. Preparations for the games were progressing well, with 250 athletes and coaches already identified for the Youth Games, while 110 athletes had been identified and were undergoing training for the Paralympic Games, ” he said.
The Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place in Marondera two days after the Youth Games.
He commended the Team Management Committee, Provincial Associations, technical staff, parents and other stakeholders for ensuring that preparations were on track.
With technical preparations largely in place, Mavunga said the focus should now be on ensuring that Team Bulawayo has adequate resources to travel and participate in the games.
The fundraising target is US$134,033.
Hon. Mavunga called on businesses, organisations and individuals to contribute towards reaching the target, stressing that every contribution would make a difference.
“There is no more ‘too little’ or ‘too small’ for this cause. Every dollar counts. Every table bought. Every pledge made,” he said.
He also urged the Board and Management Committee to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds raised.
Mavunga thanked the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for spearheading the initiative and called on the people of Bulawayo to rally behind Team Bulawayo.
“Let us support our Minister. Let us support our athletes. Let us support Team Bulawayo,” he said.
The fundraising dinner was held under the theme: “Together We Make Team Bulawayo to Marondera.”