PM officially opens Zone VI 4th edition

Manzini - Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini yesterday officially opened the Zone VI Under-20 Youth Games at Mavuso Sports Centre.

The opening ceremony was coloured up by local traditional dances ranging from sibhaca, umiso and poetry by poet Sandile ‘Msandi’ Nxumalo.

The event was attended by ministers and in his remarks Dlamini said the country was delighted to host the games and urged the visiting countries to feel at home.

There are nine countries that confirmed participation as of yesterday. Lesotho withdrew on the last minute.

The PM said the highlight of the games was the inclusion of the visual impaired people. "The sports policy of all the Southern African Development Zone VI countries articulates clearly the importance of sports in general. The Swaziland Constitution itself provides that the State shall promote recreation and ensure that adequate facilities are provided throughout the country," he said.

He lauded the ability of sports to bring people together more than the competition that everybody focuses on.

He then told the athletes that with every winner there will always be runners up. "Do not be disheartened if you fall into the latter group. To be here in the first place means that each of you is already a winner," he encouraged.

Participating countries are namely Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola, Swaziland and South Africa and Namibia.

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