By McGeorge Mbare
MATEBELELAND South Province has been crowned champions of the 17th edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games, successfully defending its title at the 2026 edition held in Marondera.
The games were scheduled to run from 20 to 26 August 2026.
The province topped the final medal standings with 10 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals, accumulating a total of 21 points.
Harare finished as the first runner-up, securing 10 gold, seven silver and one bronze medal, earning 18 points.
Mashonaland Central came third with nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.
Mashonaland West finished fourth, followed by Midlands in fifth place.
Host province Mashonaland East settled for sixth, while Masvingo finished seventh.
Bulawayo came eighth, Manicaland ninth, and Mashonaland North completed the standings in 10th place.
The victory marks another remarkable achievement for Matebeleland South, whose athletes have once again demonstrated their strength and determination on the national stage.
Prior to the Youth Games, the Minister of State made a personal donation of more than US$500, among other items, towards the team’s preparations.
The Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust also donated funds equivalent to US$15,000 for team regalia.
Blanket Mine contributed US$3,500 and 405 litres of diesel, while Ziyah Media donated US$1,000.
Several other individuals, organisations and businesses also contributed towards supporting the province’s team.
The support played an important role in helping the athletes travel to Marondera and compete against teams from across the country.
The triumph therefore serves as a reward for the province’s loyal supporters, who rallied behind the team through donations and fundraising initiatives.
After winning the championship, the Matebeleland South Paralympic team’s general manager, Arthur Maposa, said he was filled with joy over the team’s success.
“A historic paralympic triumph for Matabeleland South
As the General Manager of the Matabeleland South Paralympic Team, I am filled with immense joy, pride and gratitude following our outstanding performance at the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games held in Marondera, Mashonaland East.
Against all odds, our province travelled with only 11 athletes, yet these remarkable athletes demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination and an unshakable fighting spirit. They returned home with an incredible haul of 10 Gold Medals, 7 Silver Medals and 5 Bronze Medals, proudly placing Matabeleland South at the top of the national Paralympic medal standings,” Maposa said.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matebeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, expressed his gratitude for the province’s outstanding performance.
“I am very happy with the team. I remember we had to reduce the number of participants, but despite that, they have done a good job. I will wait for the technical team to bring the reports to my desk. We definitely have to prepare something to welcome them as champions,” Nguluvhe said.
The 2026 victory further cements Matebeleland South’s strong performance in the National Youth and Paralympic Games, as the province continues to build a strong sporting culture and produce competitive young athletes.
The latest success means Matebeleland South has secured another championship title, following its previous victory in 2019 and its latest triumph in 2026.