23 May 2017

Botswana National Olympic Committee CEO, Tuele Serufho appreciated the contribution of University of Botswana towards development of sport in and outside campus making UB a university of choice.

Speaking during UB sport awards recently, Serufho applauded the university for offering both academic excellence as well as life time opportunities to students adding that nowadays not only do prospective students look at academic excellence of an institution but they would want to join an institution that will give them many more opportunities beyond classroom.

He mentioned that the purpose of awards is to recognise and reward the input by students, former students, coaches, volunteers and administrators who are contributing towards sport development in UB.

“The awards function represent the university’s high regard for the entire sport community in UB,” he added.

Serufho indicated that UB had adopted total commitment in development of individuals who could survive in any space they are thrown into.

The sport awards, he said instiled spirit of friendship and sportsmanship amongst UB students who were in sport and recreation encouraging other students to join the university sport in large numbers.

“We thank young men and women for representing our varsity to the best of their abilities and in the process making all of us involved in sport to be proud of their achievements,” he said.

He added that sport men and women were crucial component of sport development and excellence in Botswana.

Serufho applauded student athletes that their commitment to excellence and maintenance of high standard was a reminder to all university students community to work hard to persevere and strive to excel in all spheres of life.

Congratulating those who received awards, he said those who did not receive awards were not losers adding that by having decided to participate in sport they had made achievement because not everybody had made that decision at this point in life.

Ontiretse Molapisi was awarded Sport Star of the year having attained silver and bronze medals in 200m and 100m respectively at African University Games.

Molapisi as a national team athlete represented the country at African Senior Championships, Durban in 2016.

She is also a Southern University record holder for 200m and a national silver medallist 200m.

Bom Motsamai was given Sport Person with Disability Award in male category and Ookeditse Ramasu scooped the award in female category.

Best Couch of the year went to Abdnico Chitelo of UB Crystal Netball Team while Hassan Ian Stoffel of football took Sport Leadership award.

Ngoni Moeti scooped Sport Volunteer of the year while UB swimming Team scooped Most Improved Team of the Year.

More than 10 people were awarded certificates of recognition and Botswana Television, The Echo, Mmegi and UB Public Affairs Department were awarded Media Special Award.

In an interview Sport Star of the year, Molapisi urged youth to be patient in everything they did adding that a journey of 100 miles started with a single step. ENDS