23 May 2014

A fully packed National Stadium in Gaborone was full of jubilations, ululations and loud cheers of the vuvuzela as Botswana depicted talent, song and dance at a colourful, vibrant and sprightly 2nd Youth Africa Games.

Batswana from all walks of life came in satisfactory numbers to see the splendour, flair and extravagant official opening of the games. They united and symbolized the African spirit, as athletes from all the 54 states, from the north, south, east and west of the continent of African came together.

Team Distant with their exuberant drum and guitar skills blazed the audience with their hit song gavengoma as the participants paraded with strides showcasing their national colours. The games were under way and officially opened as Batswana roared with excitement.

The Acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Vincent Seretse, welcomed the athletes who had descended from all corners of Africa to unite through sports.

Minister Seretse added that sport is the simple greatest thing that can bring people together like no other. “Botswana is honoured to host these games and they have brought us together to build and establish solidarity in this colourful day,” he says.

In addition to the festivities of the day, Nigel Amos, gold medalist at the 1st Youth Games in 2010 Morocco, was received with a loud applaud as he ran around the stadium holding a burning touch to commence with the horn ceremony.

The National Stadium fell into semi darkness as purple, blue, orange and yellow lights serenaded the multitudes of Batswana and a village set up of huts to illustrate the rich cultural heritage of Batswana.

Also Maxy, a.k.a. the Queen of Sands, adorned them with her soulful melodies. The dancers did not want to be left behind as they took to the stage with a mixture of borankana and swirl motions of the rich version of Tswana mixtures of contemporary and rain dance to serenade guests, athletes and spectators.

The famous International African Rapper Zeus also came to the party with a beautiful song Mama Africa accompanied by Batswana children dazzling in the national colours.

Furthermore, a hot air balloon was placed on the centre stage documenting Botswana’s tourism destinations.

From the silent beauties of the Kgalagadi Desert to the diamond-jewel waters of the Okavango.

A young Tlhomo Junior Secondary School student at the games,  Oratile Kedisaletse, mentioned how she was happy and proud to be a young Motswana as the opening ceremony was a marvel to experience

People from other countries should feel welcome and we hope to see them interact with us and socializing as this is a platform for us the youth to know each other through sports,” she said.

Botswana’s most celebrated kwaito star Vee exploded the fans with his famous song of Eita as they reverberated with enjoyment all singing together.

I had such a great time at this official opening and I have learned a lot about the beauty of our country, diamonds and its tourism,” exclaimed 12-year-old Itumeleng Motinwga, who is doing standard seven at Ithuteng Primary School. “Also one day I will also want to represent my country at the Olympics of Africa.” ENDS