05 Jun 2014

The African Youth Games local organising committee on June 3 met with the media following conclusion of the games.

Journalists who attended the press briefing addressed by Botswana African Youth Games Organising Committee (BAYGOC) CEO, Tuelo Serufho expressed unhappiness saying there were issues that needed to be addressed as Botswana aimed to host more international sporting events in future.

The journalists said the committee failed to deliver on its promises such as providing them with a shuttle bus to take them to other sporting venues. They added that contrary to what was communicated earlier, the media centre was not resourced.

Another complain was lack of communication as it was difficult to get instant results and medal count. The organising committee had promised to hold a workshop for sports journalists prior to the games.

In response, Serufho apologised for the poor communication. He said they wanted to have the workshop, but that facilitators pulled out at the 11th hour due to other engagements, but said the workshop could still be useful as sporting codes such as rowing would continue to be held.

Serufho said they also had challenges with results management. On other issues, he said hosting the games was a lifetime opportunity.

He said they were happy with the turnout at games as even unpopular codes such as rowing and canoeing attracted crowds. The games were streamed live on Btv and Supersport, and Serufho said 180 million people across Africa watched the opening ceremony.

Serufho said they received positive reviews from visitors as there were no major security issues. He said ideally they should have had more volunteers than athletes, but were constrained by lack of resources.

However, he was happy that they were able to host a successful event. Serufho said continental federations made contributions such as equipment used in weightlifting and triathlons.

He said they were now undertaking an audit and making final payments before the BAYGOC office is closed in August. Serufho also clarified the issue over broadcasting of the games, saying the rights were owned by Africa National Olympic Committee (ANOCA), which awarded the games to Supersport and Btv.

On a sad note, one of the volunteers died in a road accident on June 1. At the time of her death, the deceased was on a private errand. Ends