22 May 2014

The African Youth Games are finally here. When Botswana announced its intention to host the games, the country was actually making a pledge to delight the continent. And Africans take delight in sports.

The time to deliver on that promise is here.  Hats off to all the men and women who spent sleepless nights to ensure a successful delivery of the games.

From today, May 22 the athletes, the people who really matter, at last take over from the organisers. At last it is no longer about the business of sports, but sports itself. And sports is about enjoyment.

And the young athletes take to the field with the heavy burden to give spectators delight. They owe it to their respective countries to show that Africa knows sportsmanship. It is good sportsmanship to walk away from an argument.

It is good sportsmanship to answer aggression with the meekness of a sheep. Great sportsmen treat those they play with and against as they like to be treated themselves. 

You demonstrate good sportsmanship when you show respect to yourself, your teammates and your opponents, for the coaches on both sides, and for the referees, judges and all officials.

This is also African. Africans know how to extend their hand to their triumphant opponent. They know how to celebrate with their successful neighbour and the triumphant neighbour knows better than to scorn the less fortunate neighbour. Let the games begin. Ends