02 Jun 2015

Paralympics Association of Botswana (PASSOBO) president, Shirly Keoagile, has described the National Paralympic and Deaflympic games held at the University of Botswana as successful despite challenges they faced.

“The national games went well, we had 401 athletes who were competing and 50 officials but our main challenges that we encountered were monetary constraints therefore we still need help from Batswana” said Keoagile.

Keogaile said they did not manage to complete other codes competitions because they had only two days to wrap up everything, in which demanded for a day or more so that all competitions are carried through but could not because it would mean for them spend more money they cannot afford.

She added that it is important for the children to be engaged in this competitions because it means a lot to them, she said when competing the athletes need support from their parents and friends as this will help them to be part of the community. 

She expressed her worry that if they cannot secure funds to make this happen it will compromise their intentions to carry out their plans. She attributed such failure for not being able to finish all their codes games to minimal funds they had at their exposure. 

However she called out Batswana and the business community to help them with sponsoring such events so that they can achieve their mandate, she added that at around August they will be hosting yet another games at Maun therefore pleading to all Batswana for their support and help them with issues like sponsorship. 

During PASSOBO National Paralympic and Deaflympic games closing ceremony, coordinator of people with disabilities under the Office of the President Thomas Motingwa started by applauding the current leadership for putting up the extra work they are doing to see people living with disabilities being recognised not just locally but even on international Paralympics competitions.

Motingwa further stated that it is only through collaboration of people with abled body and people living disabilities working together can make this dream come true.

The dream of seeing people living with disabilities showcasing that they too can compete on any sports.

He added that they have realised the biggest challenge with developing sports for the Paralympics being the limitation of sponsorship, something he said came to their attention and have since engaged BNSC on mapping out ways to deal with the situation.

Lastly he addressed the athletes by giving a word of encouragement to them, he said talent can be used for one to fend for themselves therefore it is up to every individual to take their talent seriously and emulate the likes of those who have already done so, stating that it is not about being disabled but it all comes down to passion and hard work.

When concluding Motingwa highly praised the Government of Botswana for putting in place development strategies that would help people living with disabilities, he cited that during the official opening the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Thapelo Olopeng has said programs like affirmative action have been introduced to make sure social inclusion is addressed.

He added that Government have decided that people living disabilities, for those who are regarded as sovereign and profound disable be given money to be afforded and use to better their lives, he said this shows the immense contribution Government of Botswana is putting on helping people with disabilities. Ends