By Tione Andseni- Mana
Malawi’s hosting of Africa Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in December 2022 will cost K11 billion.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed this Thursday during a Corporate Breakfast for the 10th Edition of the Region 5 Youth Games Lilongwe 2022 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
He said successful implementation of the youth games requires a lot funds in order to meet the standards of hosting international games hence the budget.
The Minister said government has invested over K 20 billion for the construction of Griffin Saenda Indoor Complex and Kamuzu Institute for Youth swimming arena, rehabilitation of Civo and Silver stadiums.
He said government was keen to rehabilitate the hostels which would house athletes at of Natural Resources and Nalikule College.
Chimwendo Banda noted that the indoor complex and swimming would be used to host some games and are expected to be ready by December 2022.
He said the facilities would later be used for future hosting of international competitions for the country’s benefit.
Chimwendo Banda believes that the sports facilities being constricted and rehabilitated would leave legacy to the country.
“We are hoping that the games will bring over US$ 2 million income to the country. This will be possible because the games youth games have attracted over 2,000 international athletes,” the Minister stated.
He said this would contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inspire the youth to aim high in participating in international competitions.
“Sports contribute over US$ 700 billion global. Sports events like this one should be taken as a business opportunity for the business captains and industry to grow their businesses,” he suggested.
A representative of Athletes, Deborah Mtegha said the youth in the country are excited that government accepted to host youth games.
She said hosting of the youth games was one way of empowering the youth to contribute to the economic development of the country through sports.