30 Nov 2016

Botswana Primary Schools Sport Association (BOPSSA) in collaboration with ‘Re ba bona ha’ held a mini volleyball tournament at the Selebi Phikwe stadium on Monday.

The event was attended by roughly 450 pupil from various primary schools from across the country.

When officially launching the tournament, the Mayor of Selebi Phikwe, Mr Amogelang Mojuta expressed gratitude to ‘Re Ba Bona Ha’ and BOPSSA for holding the event in the mining town of Selebi Phikwe especially during this time when the town was facing challenges due to the closure of BCL Mine .

He said the event shed some excitement among the children of Selebi Phikwe.

He said the ‘Re Ba Bona ha’ mini volleyball tournament served as a tool or modem that gave hope and revived the low spirit among residents of the mining town especially the children.

He acknowledged  Debswana for sponsoring the event noting that the ‘Re Ba Bona Ha’ sporting event helps to unearth sporting talent from a young age.

He also thanked the Managing Director of LTS Enterprises Mr Thesmo Sekgoma for donating t-shirts to the more than 450 children,referees as well as coaches from across the country that took part in the event.

He mentioned that LTS Enterprises has been donating to the event for the past nine years which was something  that needed to be commended.

He commended Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF), BOPSSA for arranging the mini volleyball tournament.

The President of BOPSSA Mr Busani Sigweni expressed concern that the number of children participating in the event had dropped drastically.

He mentioned that in previous years the number of participants could reach 1200 children.

He also mentioned that volleyball needed to be promoted more often to draw more children to participate in the sport.

Sigwele went on to state that since the ‘Re Ba Bona ha’ mini volleyball tournament commenced nine years ago and due to celebrate 10 years of existence next year, they intend to make a proposal for the mini volleyball tournament to be held on a permanent basis annually in Selebi Phikwe.

He indicated that the move would have a positive impact on volleyball as a sport and other sport codes and also contribute towards making Selebi Phikwe a sporting town or sporting tourism area.

For his part Mr Sekgoma from LTS Enterprises said that he was happy that his company was associated with sport and unearthing talent from the grass roots in this country.

He said playing a role in unearthing talent in sport from a young age was very important in that some children who do not excel academically in class could prove themselves in sport.

Meanwhile Kgosi Mark Thipe of Kagiso ward in Selebi Phikwe commended BOPSSA and ‘Re Ba Bona Ha’ as well BVF for holding such an event in Selebi Phikwe.

He said such activities and sport in general instill a sense of discipline among children.

Further he said sport helps to keep children busy during their leisure time and helps to divert childrens ‘mindset from engaging in deviant behaviours such as alcohol and drug abuse as well as criminal activities. “It is always good to catch them whilst they are young,” he said.

He went on to challenge Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) to consider setting up volleyball courts or arena’s in Selebi Phikwe so that big volleyball tournament could be held in the mining town.

He said big teams such as Mafolofolo, Kutlwano, Kalavango among others taking part in the event would attract spectators and visitors to the town.

He said in that way they would be promoting sport tourism in Selebi Phikwe and also help diversify the economy of the region.  

When giving a vote of thanks at the official opening of the mini-tournament, Vice President of  BVF George Keotsene acknowledged BOPSSA, Botswana National Sport Council and BVF for making it possible for the event to take place.

He also thanked sponsor of Re Ba Bona Ha’,Debswana, for playng a role contributing towards the growth of sport in the country. ENDS