By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The 2022 Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth games Lilongwe 2022 which started on November 28, and officially launched on December 2 in the capital Lilongwe,comes to end today.
The games which have been played under the theme “IGNITING THE AFRICAN DREAM” really sparked fire in the Capital City as many turned in large numbers to patronize the games.
Swimming, Football both for boys and girls,Tennis, Volleyball, Netball, Athletics, E-Sporting, Basketball are among the sports codes which the ten countries competed within these days.
Indeed the African dream has been ignited as over 1,500 athletes showcased classic and brilliant performances which will leave a legacy in Malawi and Region 5 member States.
South Africa has however dominated in many sports codes having won 105 medals which 59 are gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronzes.
But the rainbow nation has chances to reach 107 medals as has two finals to wrap up the competition.
South Africa U-17 girls are expected to take on Zambia in the final while their brothers are also to battle it out with Zambia in the 2023 Algeria AFCON|COSAFA Qualifiers later in the evening from 1730hours.
Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda during the week indicated, he was a happy person to see the games well patronised as they were some few hiccups which could have compromised the games.
He said technical team worked tirelessly to make sure all facilities which were in doubt to host the games are in good shape,citing Kamuzu Institute for Sports Aquatic Complex, Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex among others.
The Minister will be the guest of honor this evening at the Bingu National Stadium where the closing ceremony is anticipated to take place.