21 Aug 2018

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development remains available to assist entities that embark on prudent initiatives to augment sport development mandate.

Launching the Gaborone International Meet (GIM) local organising committee yesterday, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo said initiatives like GIM, added to the success stories that athletes continued to write throughout the world.

Kaboeamodimo said the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) could not solely assist the ministry in moulding athletes and ensuring their ready for world athletics.

“There is no doubt that Botswana’s exploits in the sport of athletics are visible and also the international world of sport has also taken note, with podium finishes by Botswana athletes on track and field which has become a norm,” he said.

Just recently, he said Botswana made a mark at the 21st Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Senior Championships held in Asaba, Nigeria winning two gold and one silver medals.

“Our perpetual stars like Nijel Amos, Baboloki Thebe and Christine Botlogetswe, to name a few, made their counterparts feel their presence. World-class athletes now have a lot to worry about in the soon to commence IAAF Continental Cup to be held in Ostrava, Czech Republic,” he said.

Kaboeamodimo further said past experience had illustrated that for better results, it was important to start preparations early, hence the GIM had found it befitting to launch their LOC well on time.

Thus, he advised the LOC to be cognisant that in hosting such events, they put themselves on the spotlight as both the public and athletes expected them to do things professionally.

BAA president, Thari Mooketsi also endorsed the meet scheduled for April next year as part of the association’s calendar of events. Mooketsi said the meet was also recognised by Africa’s athletics governing body CAA and thus he was hopeful to see more youths competing in the event next year.

The LOC comprises Naledi Dikgomo-Goulden as chairperson, Keenese Katisenge as head of marketing, Dr George Mokone (medics) as well as Bosenogile Mpiwa (head of finance).

Tshepang Othusitse is responsible for operations, Gabriel Ngele oversees project and risk management, Thabiso Mooketsi heads protocol and security while Calistus Kolantsho and Tshepo Kelaotswe lead publicity and technical departments respectively. ENDS