Region 5 Youth Games budget at K11 billion

Malawi’s hosting of Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in December 2022 will cost K11 billion.

Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed this on Thursday during a corporate breakfast for the 10th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games Lilongwe 2022 at Bingu International Convention Centre.

He said successful implementation of the Games requires a lot funds to meet the standards of hosting international games.

The minister said government has invested over K20 billion for the construction of Griffin Saenda Indoor Complex and Kamuzu Institute for Youth swimming arena, rehabilitation of Civo and Silver stadia.

He said government was keen to rehabilitate the hostels which would house athletes at Natural Resources and Nalikule colleges.

Chimwendo Banda noted that the indoor complex and swimming area would be ready to host some games.

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 constructed and rehabilitated would leave a legacy to the country.

“We are hoping that the games will bring over $ 2 million income to the country. This will be possible because the youth games have attracted over 2 000 international athletes,” the Minister stated.

He said this would contribute to the country’s gross domestic product and inspire the youth to aim high in participating in international competitions.

“Sports contribute over $700 billion globally. Sports events like this one should be taken as a business opportunity for the business captains and industry to grow their businesses,” suggested Chimwendo Banda.

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 Games was one way of empowering them to contribute to the economic development of the country