05 Jun 2014

The just ended African Youth Games have benefited sport associations and federations through the refurbishment of sport facilities, new equipment, training of people and technical expertise.

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) is one of the codes that benefited from the games. The associations president, Moses Bantsi said athletics had never received such spectatorship before, adding that it would take a long time to wipe off from the minds of those who thronged the stadium.

Bantsi added that the three days of athletics live coverage on television made people appreciate the sport even more. The president said in terms of equipment, the association benefited from accessories such as discusses, javelins and hammer throws.

He said as per international standard, the youth used equipment of a certain standard. Moreover, Bantsi said they managed to successfully host some of the unorthodox races such as pole vault and steeple chase which he said, were technical.

"Just before the games we had a technical course for our people, something that came in handy because we did not invite any international people to operate our equipment,” he noted. Bantsi said with the experience and abilities displayed by locals, he was confident that Batswana could officiate bigger events.

He said the International Associations of Athletics Federations were observers and were impressed with the level of professionalism. Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) president, Michael Moroka said local referees were trained with the approval of the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Moroka said they also received an AIBA ring from the organising committee. He said Batswana learnt a lot in organising a continental event, adding that he was impressed despite some challenges which they managed to overcome.

Moroka also commended the Botswana Police Service for ensuring that security measures were in place and the volunteers for serving the nation wholeheartedly. Ends