Harare — PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has pledged Government support for the National Youth Games and revealed that he will engage various ministries to mobilise support for the annual sports event.

The PM made the remarks at his Munhumutapa offices yesterday after meeting the Local Organising Commi-ttee of the Youth Games to be staged by Harare Province next month.

The Harare Province LOC presented Tsvangirai with a souvenir -- a plaque with a Youth Games emblem and message.

Youth Games assistant general manager (technical) Sebastian Garikai also handed over a booklet detailing the Games history and programme to the PM.

The PM said he was hopeful that he would get support from relevant ministries like the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and that of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.

"It's no secret that Government has limitations, but we are committed to seeing that the Youth Games will be a resounding success.

"The efforts made by the local organising committee must be commended and I hope they will achieve their goals," he said.

The PM said sport should be used to unify people from different backgrounds.

"Sport unifies people, as was evidenced by the just-ended World Cup held in South Africa.

"I witnessed historic opening and closing ceremonies and the Africans were united by the global soccer showpiece.

"With the current economic hardships, I believe sport is one way that can heal Zimbabwe."

The LOC have also presented a souvenir to the Harare mayor Muchadeyi Masunda on Monday to mark the start of the 20-day countdown to the Youth Games which will run from August 15 to 22.

PM Tsvangirai also urged the corporate world to support the efforts of the LOC and told the audience that he was a good soccer player during his schooldays.

He also noted with concern that there was talent lying idle across the country, which needed to be tapped and nurtured at an early age.

PM Tsvangirai promised the local organising committee that he would help them source some of the requirements in cash and kind.

The LOC have budgeted US$3 million for the Games but have so far raised about 55 percent of that amount in cash and kind.

Garikai said kitting out the 10 provinces would cost US$380 000 while the organisers also need US$12 300 for the printing of educational and sporting material.

Previous Youth Games have been blighted by the sight of some athletes especially from the rural areas, participating without any uniforms while some even took to the athletics tracks topless.