20 Nov 2017

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo says the annual Kanye summer games and Ga-Maila marathon has the potential to grow and turn Kanye into a sport tourism hub. 

Kaboeamodimo said during the official opening of the annual Kanye Summer Games and Ga-Maila Marathon at Ledubeng Park on November 18 in Kanye that just like other conventional tourism activities elsewhere in Botswana, a lot of economic gains could be derived from the games and in turn change the lives of many for the better.

It is to this end, he said, the ministry encouraged and supported the games now in their third consecutive year.

Also, Kaboeamodimo stated that government advocated for noble causes such as Kanye summer games and Ga-Maila marathon because by their nature they promote general health and wellness of the society.

He challenged the youth to come on board and become part of the games; something he said will other than ensuring their wellbeing, help keep them away from vices. 

Kaboeamodimo therefore commended all the sponsors and challenged others to come on board and make sure the games grow in leaps and bounds.

Earlier on, Kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi expressed concern that unlike other countries with smaller population, Botswana sent fewer athletes to participate in international  games.

He thus solicited that scouting be extended to the remotest of areas so that well to do athletes may be sent in their droves to represent the country.

“We have to develop a large pool of athletes to draw from and compete pound for pound with the best in the world,” he said.

Kanye summer games and Ga-Maila marathon chairperson, Daniel Letshelaphala gave the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and other main sponsors of the games among them; USN, MEDSWANA a pat on the back for their assistance.

“The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development in particularly has sponsored the games to the tune of P120 0000,” he said.

He concurred with Kaboeamodimo that the annual games will brand Kanye as a melting pot for sports tourism and economically empower a lot of people especially unemployed youth.

Letshelaphala also challenged well-wishers to come on board and support the cause in their small ways.

Councilor for Marapalalo ward and Vice chairperson for the games, Kabelo Lemme also thanked all sponsors for their benevolence and stimulating gestures.

“Your assistance shows indeed that we are not on our own but some good Samaritans like what we are doing,” he said. ENDS