The Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro officiated the closing of the ninth edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in a ceremony of the glittering display of fireworks and cultural performances.
The closing of the annual event was held at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru where Dr Majoro wished the next year host, Malawi to hold successful games.
The Prime Minister stressed that Lesotho held a successful AUSC Region 5 Games, saying that was what he had told the Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation Ms. Likeleli Tampane when she was doubting and was on the verge of giving up.
”I reassured her that Lesotho would hold the successful AUSC Region 5 Youth Games and we did,” he commented.
Dr Majoro also extended his congratulatory words to all those who worked hard to ensure that the Games become successful.
Giving her remarks, Ms. Tampane officially handed over the AUSC flag to the Minister of Sports in Malawi, Mr. Ulemu Msaungama.
”Athletes and coaches, you were gathered here with only one mission to win, win and win,” she highlighted.
She therefore congratulated those who have won medals and trophies, saying the losers should not despair but try again next year.
The Minister said there will always be more tournaments for them in the future, saying they should learn from their mistakes.
She said in addition to the material gains, it was her hope that these Games presented opportunities to network and forge new and healthy relationships across the participants and officials.
Ms. Tampane therefore thanked the government for hosting these Games, and the public at large for their understanding.
She noted that the experience gathered is immeasurable and the Games have left a unique legacy for generations to come.
The Minister said the footprints left at Rapokolana Sports Arena, Lesotho College of Education, National University of Lesotho and several sporting facilities within Maseru., and Setsoto stadium will never be forgotten.
Although COVID-19 posed challenges on catering,  transport and logistics during both preparatory as well as competition phases of this festival, they rose above all odds to ensure a successful hosting of these Games.
She also extended her vote of thanks to the sponsors, AUSC Region 5 Chairperson, Regional Organising Committee as well as the Local Organising Committee, sports federations, athletes and officials as well as volunteers among many.
On the other hand, the Minister of Sports for Malawi after receiving the regional Games flag vowed that Malawi would hold the successful Games, saying the Government has already allocated the Games budget.
He highlighted that Malawi has several sporting facilities which will be used to host the Games next year.
The Minister acknowledged that they have learned and gained enough knowledge from Lesotho’s Games and would take a leave out of them to successfully hold them.
ROC Chairperson Mr. Stanley Mutoya commended Lesotho for staging the successful games against all odds with a minimal budget.
He commended the Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation for her passion and commitment to the Games, saying she was her heroine for working so hard to ensure that the games were successful.
Mr. Mutoya noted that the legacy and footprints left by the Games would go a long way in benefiting the next generations, citing the Rapokolona and the Setsoto Stadium, saying they would not be the same.
LOC Chairperson, Dr Mohale Mabaleha expressed gratitude, saying Lesotho has economically benefited from staging the 9th edition of the AUSC Region 5 Games.
He said the hotels were full, bus operators provided transport to the teams as well as Basotho caterers who provided daily meals to the athletes and officials, saying this contributed positively to the economy.
The 9th edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games Maseru 2020 started on December 3 with ten countries participating in various sporting codes such as Athletics, Boxing, Basketball, Netball, Football, Tennis, Swimming, Judo and Volleyball.
Source: LENA 13/12/2020