26 Jun 2013

Landboards and Local Authorities Workers Union (BLLAWU) has encourage its members to participate in sporting activities as one way of providing platform for building and nurturing the spirit of unity among members.

In an interview, BLLAWU region one chairperson,Tshekatsheko Lekang said their aim was to use the Botswana Landboards and Local Authorities Sporting Association (BLLASA) games held in Masunga over the weekend, to encourage integration among employees, adding that they also encouraged discipline and respect among members.

Lekang also pointed out that though they wanted all their members to take part in sport, social commitments at times hindered heir participation in sports. However, he said members were enthusiastic about involvement in sports; something which he said was evidenced by their commitment to sport.

He noted that as a sign of growth, former players in various sporting codes were now coaches in their respective codes. Lekang also observed that this year’s regional competitions were the first since the start of the BLLASA games in 2007.

The decision to hold regional competitions outside normal working days was prompted by the need to cut the costs associated with the games, he said. The chairperson explained that previously, the games were held over a week; something that he said impacted negatively on service delivery as employees were away from their duty stations for the entire week.

He added that the previous arrangement also resulted in shortage of resources such as vehicles in workplaces throughout the country as part of the fleet was being used during the games. Furthermore, he noted that the move would add value to the competitions as previously participants were unable to perform well due to fatigue.

The event brought together teams from council in Francistown, Selebi Phikwe, Sowa, Tutume, Tonota and North East. The games comprised a number of sporting codes such as football, netball, volleyball, pool, darts, and table tennis. ENDS