Mentally challenged Zimbabwean athletes from around the country concluded a four-day training camp at Prince Edward High School in Harare on Monday in preparation for the Special Olympics World Games in China this September.

Nineteen athletes have been selected to take part in the games, which are to run from September 28 to October 11 in Shanghai.

Special Olympics Zimbabwe National Director Bonny Woodman told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that she's pleased with the team's preparations, but that the organization still faces many challenges.

She said that despite receiving significant sponsorship from the corporate world, it was extremely difficult for her and other sporting disciplines in the country to remain viable due to escalating operation costs and the continuing economic downturn. 

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...