Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has confirmed government’s enthusiasm for hosting major sporting events in order to expose youth to international competitions and promote Botswana’s global interest.

Officially opening the 19th Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sport Association (CUCSA) Games in Gaborone on June 18, Mr Tsogwane noted that Botswana hosted the African Youth Games in 2014, Netball World Youth Cup and World Baseball Softball Congress last year as well as International Working Group on Women in Sport Conference this year.

In addition, the country would in December this year play host to

the Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 under 20 games.

“The 19th CUCSA Games bring together universities and colleges from nine SADC countries. This will certainly go a long way in promoting people to people interaction among member states.

As you are all aware, the rules of sport are universal.

Therefore sport knows no boundaries and unites people from all walks of life.

This unifying factor of sport is aptly reflected by the tagline for the 19th CUSA Games which is #OneNessThroughSports,” he said

Mr Tsogwane said the SADC region considered sport one of the key factors in national development.

He said sport was a catalyst for development of communities and

also played a key role in building the character of youth.

He however expressed worry that most countries around the world were faced with the challenges of drug and substance abuse among youth.

“Unfortunately this epidemic has taken root in our part of the world and is a cause of untold misery and lost opportunities. I implore the sporting fraternity, particularly you the athletes to play a leading role in promoting healthy lifestyles among your peers. It is gratifying to note that the organisers of these games have gone an extra mile to use them to promote the eradication of vices that threaten to destroy our young generation,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane said Botswana recognised the potential of youth to contribute to the

oiverall development of the country by enhancing its global competitiveness.

For his part, CUCSA executive president Mr Ben Ncaobeb applauded President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s presence at the games opening ceremony saying his attendance was an indication of his unwavering support of their efforts to empower young people through sport.

He said it would remain engrained in their memories as it was the first time a sitting head of state graced the occasion.

Another speaker, Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chief executive officer Mr Solly Reikeletseng said Botswana had previously hosted nations and passed with distinction.

Only through sport could people be united and empowered,

he said.
He said BNSC’s aim was to

tackle unemployment and build a healthy nation through sporting excellence.

Giving a vote of thanks, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development Mr Thapelo Olopeng said government was committed to supporting youth through the sector but had other competing needs.

He therefore appealed to the private sector to assist government when the need arose.

Minister Olopeng implored athletes to stay away from performance enhancing substances and use their God given talents instead. A total of 1 100 athletes are expected to compete in over 10 sporting codes this week. ENDS