21 May 2017

The National Vision 2036 whose aim is to ensure prosperity for all Batswana, recognises sport as a sector with potential to contribute to the country’s economy.

This was said by the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlhogile Tshireletso at the Netball Youth World Cup (NWYC) 2017 sponsors launch on Friday.

She said sport promoted national unity and pride, as it highlighted the commitment of both government and society in having a self-sustaining sport industry able to produce globally competitive sportspersons.

“We have seen that it is possible through sportsmen and women such as Amantle Montsho, Nijel Amos, Karabo Sibanda, and Diphetogo Selolwane among others and now we want to see that through netball,”she said.

Tshireletso, also Botswana Netball Association patron, said NWYC 2017 was indeed a historic event bound to profile Botswana as a sporting country of choice and reaffirm the country’s commitment to strategic growth and participation in various sporting codes.

She thanked all sponsors who found it fit to partner with NWYC 2017, adding that their support had without doubt made it easier to organise Botswana’s biggest event.

“Your support has and continues to give us the greatest courage to know that come July 8, Botswana will be shinning on the international stage. Just as we saw the blue, white, and black flag making headlines at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, with many tweets, Instagram and indeed Facebook from around the world admiring our team, as it paraded through the Stadium,” she said.

Tshireletso expressed confidence that NWYC 2017 would see the country making headlines again as the games would be world class made possible by sponsors.

The sponsors, she said found it fit to support the dream of the girl child, stating that that alone was a sustainable investment and pleaded with other potential sponsors to come forth and assist in ensuring the games were seamless and successful.

Sponsors included Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Department of Broadcasting Services, Mascom, ehee!Meets, Brand Botswana, FNB Botswana, MRI, Spar, Sky Girls, International Working Group on Women and Sport, Grand Palm, Cresta, BotswanaPost and ALMATAZ. ENDS