25 Aug 2016

Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Thapelo Olopeng has called on Batswana to support sport because it generates employment.

Speaking at a lunch to welcome Team Botswana from the Rio Olympics on August 24 the minister stated that sport could be used as a means to curb unemployment, hence he urged Batswana to rally behind sport stars.

He highlighted that the whole nation was proud of Team Botswana adding that there were those who criticised the team, saying it was allowed as long as the criticism was constructive.

Olopeng advised athletes to ignore negative criticism. “You did us proud. You may not have brought any medals but you did better times.”

The minister stated that there was still time to prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Olopeng said the team did well with the games commentators always mentioning Botswana.

That, he said was an indication that Botswana was performing impressively against the best.

He thanked the private sector for partnering with government and parents for all the support they rendered to the athletes. 

The team’s chef de mission Moses Moruisi highlighted that the team represented the country with pride and honour.

He said the team together with officials displayed dignity as they did not experience any problems of any nature, hence they were all back home safely.

Moruisi stated that on July 28 the team was commissioned to compete at the Rio Olympics adding that he had successfully led the team from August 5-21 as the head of delegation.

He thanked Batswana for their unwavering support rendered to team Botswana throughout the games. Ends