Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
PROVINCIAL general managers of Paralympics squads were expected to arrive in Gwanda last night for today’s meeting to review preparations for the games and craft the programme of events at the Command Centre situated at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic.
Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) provincial sports coordinator Lifa Mpofu said: “Athletes are expected to start trickling in tomorrow (today) for the games, which are starting on Friday.”
The three-day event ends on Sunday.
Matabeleland South provincial administrator Midard Khumalo said they were ready to host all 10 provinces.
Speaking during a donation of 180 T-shirts to the games’ local organising committee by the Zimbabwe Teacher’s Association (Zimta) yesterday, Khumalo allayed fears that facilities were not ready.
“All the needed facilities for participants and officials, which include accommodation and food, have been secured. I can safely confirm that we are expecting 172 athletes from Harare, 123 from Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central (72), 166 from Manicaland, 50 from Matabeleland North, 152 from Mashonaland West, 57 from Mashonaland East and 140 from the host province. Masvingo and Midlands are yet to confirm their numbers,” said Khumalo.
About 2,000 delegates are expected to descend on Gwanda for the games.