11 May 2014

 A total of 26 primary schools in Gaborone have received a total of 1 554 balls for volleyball, netball and football.

Handing over the sport balls at Ithuteng Primary School on May 8, the acting Minister of Youth Sport and Culture, Vincent Seretse said the initiative was a partnership between his ministry and the World Group of Companies who donated the balls. 

Each classroom would receive three balls for the three sport codes, he added.  The initiative aimed at promoting active participation in sport by children to enable them enjoy youth was launched by President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama on March 6 in Mochudi.

Seretse said the distribution of the sport balls was in line with the ministry’s strategic goal of developing youth through sport and grassroots sport development. 

Minister Seretse said the programme would not only generate interest in sport among children, but would also play a major role in the identification and development of sporting talent among the youngsters. 

He said children need to be encouraged to play to improve their health and wellness, adding that “nowadays there is growing problem of child obesity which is potentially a health time-bomb not only for Botswana but other countries as well.” 

Children, he said were no longer engaged in sport and physical activities as was the case in the past, owing to sedentary lifestyles. 

The acting minister encouraged teachers and parents to motivate children to enjoy playing with the sport balls and discover their hidden talents.

Sport is a global multi-billion pula industry capable of generating wealth and employment for talented persons all over the world and even in Botswana, said Seretse. 

 He also called on teachers and parents to give children guidance and support to grow up as active, productive and responsible citizens in line with the ideals of the national Vision 2016. 

For her part, the school head of Ithuteng Primary school, Ditsile Keakopa said sports education was important to the academic environment and suggested that the two should be intertwined to equip children with skills, tolerance and team spirit.

Also speaking at the event, Member of Parliament for Gaborone South Kagiso Molatlhegi stressed the need to build sports facilities in the area because children have nowhere to play.

He however commended the ministry for donating balls to the children, saying “This give us hope for greater things to come.” When all primary schools of Botswana have been covered, the ministry would have handed over 18 068 balls worth about P4 517 000. Ends