The Hon. Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harris Bulunga has bid farewell to Trinidad and Tobago bound Team Eswatini. He did this at the EOCGA HQ in the presence of EOCGA President Adam Mthethwa, Vice President Zakhele Dlamini, CEO Maxwell Jele, ESRC CEO Darius Dlomo and Board member Lee-Ann Young.
The team of four athletes consists of Mayibongwe Vilakati and Sibusisiwe Mabuza both from athletics as well as Hayley Hoy and Damian de Sousa from the swimming sporting code. They will be led by Eswatini Sports and Recreation Councils’ Zama Tsabedze and EOCGA Board member Lee-Ann Young who is the Chef de Mission.
The Honorable Minister had this to say, ” It gives me great pleasure and honor to once again officiate at a sending off for Team Eswatini, for the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in Trinidad and Tobago.
I must, from the onset, congratulate EOCGA and ESRC for the wonderful collaboration they have made to ensure that the country’s athletes get an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete against the best in various competitions, such as the Region 5 Youth Games, African Beach Games ,to mention a few. The most encouraging thing is that most of the Teams you have sent out are mainly the young upcoming athletes, which augers well for the drive to develop talent for Eswatini. I believe that the country will soon reap great rewards in future elite competitions, such as the African Games and the Olympics”.
He also added that, ”this is a perfect platform for our young athletes to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience, claim their place in the Olympics Team, while also making the country proud by fighting for podium finishes – I’m happy to note that we have assembled a strong team of six, comprising 4 athletes and 2 officials, and we shall be competing in two sporting codes Athletics and Swimming. Mayibongwe Vilakati,Sibusisiwe Mabuza, (Athletics) Hayley Hoy and Damian de Sousa (Swimming) the nation’s hopes rest on you. I’ve been told that you were selected from a very strong list of competitors, and your preparation during the two weeks camp have been of the highest level. It is also exciting that our swimmer Hayley has just been competing in the World Aquatic Championships in Japan where she did very well. It is my belief therefore that you will represent the country very well, and ensure that the country’s flag is hoisted high”.
He concluded by wishing Team Eswatini well in Trinidad and Tobago and that they should bring back those most wanted medals.