01 Jun 2014

The just-ended second African Youth Games unearthed talent from the continent and united African youth.

Botswana was awarded a rare opportunity to host these youth and did not disappoint in offering them world class hospitality. When BOPA interviewed the youngsters after the closing ceremony, they could not stop praising Botswana for its pleasant hospitality.

Zimbabwe netball team's Sharon Bwanali expressed her satisfaction with the level of hospitality displayed by Batswana. She stated that they were treated well in the games village where all athletes were housed and noted that the volunteers were always on standby to offer assistance.

Bwanali given another chance, shw would return to Botswana. The 17-year- old said she was happy with the fact that all the players displayed fair play and treated each other well on and off field which is the good spirit of sport.

Like every other athlete who grazed the continental showpiece, she stated that she made friends from different countries. Bonkhe Simelane, Swaziland football player said, “the 10 days were very short I wish I could not return home Botswana is awesome.” He concurred that Batswana were approachable and willing to offer assistance at all times.

He said with the provision of chatter buses, they had an opportunity to visit the shopping malls in the city and had fun. Like his mates, Simelane said he made lots of friends from the games and enjoyed food they were served with.

Appah Emmanuel, Nigerian weightlifting triple gold medalist, said one thing which disappointed him was the weather. The youngster highlighted that the weather was too cold for his liking in that he was used to the Nigerian warm weather.

Nevertheless the youngster stated that with time he adapted to the chilly weather and he enjoyed his stay in Botswana. He said he was happy with the running of the competition that he said gave the African youth an opportunity to compete and also have fun.

Emmanuel could not stop talking about the exceptional transport system of the games, “The drivers were always cooperative we did not struggle to move around venues and I have never experienced something like that.” Ends