28 Mar 2019

About 30 African countries are expected to participate in the Union Federation of Africa Karate (UFAK) championships in July.

As part of the preparations, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tshekedi Khama this week launched the Local Organising Committee (LOC), championships logo, medal designs and brand kit.

Khama said his ministry had helped the national karate team  with funds so that the country could host a memorable tournament, adding that his ministry’s wish was to see a successful tournament.

He noted that Botswana was the first country in the region to host the tournament, and urged the LOC to work hard and prove to the world that the country was capable of hosting tournaments of that magnitude.

He said all participating karatekas would forever remember the country, adding that it was important that the countries culture and cuisine was shared with the visitors.

“The support from my ministry, Botswana National Sport Commission and other stakeholders is guaranteed, and I want to assure you that we will assist in every possible way,” he said. Khama also added that sport played a role in teaching children discipline.

He also said karate was unique because unlike most sport codes, it was about an individual’s abilities and skill. “Karate will be going to the Olympics for the first time, so for me when something like this happens I say if karate is going to the Olympics for the first time we applaud and support our own,” he said.

LOC chairperson, Lebogang Gaobakwe said she was  confident that her team would deliver the championship. She said since karate instilled the values of humility, loyalty, discipline, self-control and respect for life, it has  produced leaders in all echelons in the world. She also added that karate would for the first time feature in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“This championships are about Africa and they present us with an opportunity to show the world what we are made of. Africa is a continent that is rich in culture and the spirit of perseverance. It is also a continent that has produced world class athletes,” she said.

The LOC consists of Kgosi Kgari Sechele as the patron, Gaobakwe, Mpho Bakwadi, Union Kgafela, Mpho Moatshe,  Shadrack Kapeko, Moses Poloko Thabo Osekeng, Kesego Okie, Edwin Dikoloti, Goitseone Phorie, Malebo Raditladi and  Fatima Khan.ENDS