21 May 2014

The countdown is almost over as Botswana hosts African Youth Games: the biggest sporting event the country has ever hosted

Botswana is set to make history as it hosts 53 African countries, bringing in more than 2 500 athletes who will set the city of Gaborone ablaze for 10 days from May 22.

Kenyans were first to touchdown in Gaborone, parading a total of 200 people -- athletes and officials. Ivory Coast and Liberia followed with 30 and 13 athletes respectively and more countries followed suit.

After 18 months of preparation, which was defined by tireless efforts, hard work and spirit of patriotism by stakeholders led by BAYGOC, one can only say “Botswana is ready to deliver a memorable sporting spectacular.”

The opening ceremony will be beamed live on Supersport and all spectators are expected to be seated at 4 p.m to pave way for the arrival of the President, Lt Gen. Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

In an interview, the ceremonies and protocol manager, Lepang Ferguson, said tickets for the opening and closing ceremony should be collected at Choppies stores on first-come, first-serve bases from Tuesday May 20 as only those who have authorised tickets will be granted entry in order to avoid stampede.

However, Ferguson said people who arrive late at the National Stadium will watch the ceremony outside the venue as there would be viewing on screens mounted outside the stadium.

Ferguson said 200 volunteers would be dispatched to the National Stadium to manage spectators and avoid situation where they would use gates allocated to athletes. She said protocol officers and medal bearers had all been trained to familiarise themselves with the practice.

A further four protocol officers and 10 protocol ushers had been deployed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to receive guests while others were placed at different hotels where team officials would stay.

She said VIP accommodation for presidents of international federations of the sport codes, delegates from the Africa National Olympics Committee Associations and from the International Olympics Committee would be accommodated at Grand Palm, Indaba Lodge, Gaborone Sun, Cresta Lodge and President Hotel.

Ferguson emphasised that all guests should declare their possessions upon entry into Botswana to avoid confiscation and therefore urged the Local Organising Committee for all sport codes to spread the message to the visitors.

Flags for all the participating countries have been hoisted at the airport. Finishing touches for the opening ceremony are ongoing at the National Stadium. Merchandise for the AYG is available at University of Botswana Souvenir shop. Ends