14 Mar 2013

Regions are already preparing for Botswana Games slated for Francistown from December 14-18.

One of the regions, which have already started their preparations, is the Central region. The region has selected an organising committee, which is expected to spearhead all the preparatory activities enroute to the finals in December.

Although the committee was not different from the 2011 one, it was however, the re-appointment of Solomon Dikgang as the Chef de Mission that had been welcomed by many. Dikgang, who together with his team were credited for being instrumental in the region’s 2011 Botswana Games success, said in an interview that his re-appointment was a vote of confidence on his performance and leadership qualities.

He said the team performed tremendously because of the dedication, support and team spirit that were exhibited by the then committee, coaches and managers as well as the athletes.

During the last games, the team scooped second position out of 16 districts with 59 medals of which 20 were gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze.

Dikgang, who was also elected by all the chef de missions during the 2011 games to be their spokesperson, said he took his assignment serious adding that it was his wish to see young unknown athletes representing the country internationally.

He said the central region was already basking on the glory of Nigel Amos, saying they were proud to have played a role in the life of Amos.

Besides Amos, he said they had managed to unearth the talents of Christinah Botlogetswe, who has already represented the country on a number of international athletics competitions.

Through his good working relations with the other LOC members, he said they were able to secure sponsorship from Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines worth over P100 000.

“A lot of individuals also helped a lot and we are grateful for that,” he said. Meanwhile, Dikgang encouraged other stakeholders during the meeting to take the Botswana Games serious saying the future athletes of international repute would be unearthed on such competitions.

He also called on the coaches to be exemplary, saying it would be disappointing to find them imbibing alcohol in front of the children. ENDS