12 Feb 2015

The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila, officially handed over renovated facilities to Botswana Squash Rackets Association (BOSRA) in Gaborone on February 10.

Mokaila, who is the ambassador of Diacore Marathon Gaborone, said squash came from humble beginnings to where it was. He thanked Diacore Gaborone Marathon and PGM for their humble gesture and standing above the rest.

“We have big dreams and ambitions in squash and it is the only game that can be played alone anytime and still enjoy it,” he said. The minister said squash appealed to everyone because it was about health having a clear mind, and being decisive.

He highlighted it was unfortunate that talented children who played squash cannot be kept because competing sports like football attracted them. Minister Mokaila however encouraged Diacore and PGM to spread their wings right through the country. 

He said he was hopeful that the new facilities would breed more stars in the future. Also speaking during the handover, the President of BSRA Tiego Rabasha described the new facilities as a major breakthrough.

“This facility is where we hope and intend to make sure that our squash athletes realise their dreams of being the best that they can be, citing home-grown talents such as Allister Walker who is pursuing his dreams in the USA.

Giving an overview of the marathon, the chairman of PGM Foundation, Thola Magang said the primary goal of the marathon was to develop sports and act as a facilitator in Botswana.

Magang also said the marathon continues to be humbled and indebted to Mokaila for his continued and wavering support.  He added that the marathon continues to promote and give money to various charitable causes.

“Without corporates, the best ideas can never come to fruition but we are proud to be having a partner such as Diacore who joined in 2011 as a knight and shining armour,” he commended.

Magang also said the marathon approaches sports in a holistic manner allowing both national sports initiatives and athletes to develop across the board, saying it is an example of how true initiatives are geared towards health and wellness.

Giving closing remarks at the event, the chairperson of Botswana National Sports Council, Solly Reikeletseng thanked Minister Mokaila for supporting sports all these years. He said Diacore has also extensively helped to contribute to the growth of sports. 

He commended everyone involved for accelerating the development of the facility which was supposed to take four years before completion. Since adopting the race in 2012, Diacore in conjunction with co-sponsors Stanbic, Mascom and GIA has donated 100 per cent of the registration fees to deserving charities.

Botswana Squash Courts Rackets Association has been one of the worthy beneficiaries for funding over the years and it has allowed them to complete this renovation of the Gaborone Squash Club.  The total investment in the renovation is P400, 000 comprised entirely of funds raised from the Marathon registration. ENDS