25 Feb 2013

Botswana sport has grown dramatically hence a pressing need to adopt a systematic approach to the development, delivery and administration of elite sport.

A press release from Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) said an athlete centric approach was ideal in efficient elite sport administration.

“The athlete centric approach ensures that our policies, plans and programmes are geared towards having conducive conditions for the effective development of athletes. It is only through this approach that Botswana athletes may be able to push themselves to reach their full potential,” the BNOC president said in the release.

The release stated that the long-term athlete development which was adapted to establish the BLTAD framework with the input of all key stakeholders was a significant sport development strategy being implemented all over the world and could best assist Botswana to identify as well as develop elite athletes in Botswana.

“A good case study was with the unique preparation of the London 2012 Olympic Games team, which the BNOC structured around the athlete centric approach.

All aspects of athletes preparation and welfare were looked at including but not limited to psychological, physical, technical and social,” the release stated.

It further notes that although the team that emerged had narrowed in terms of numbers, the quality of the athletes was high considering that each of the four athletes were world and continental champions in their respective events.

The BNOC remains resolute in the advocacy for a national approach which would ensure that all are on board, and on the same page, without duplicating roles. ENDS