09 Apr 2019

The 2019 Local Authorities Health Inter-Sport Association (LAHISA) games will go as planned despite the association facing a serious sponsorship challenge.

Francistown is to host the 5^th edition which starts from today (April 10) until April 14 at various sporting centres in the city, including the Francistown Sports Complex.

LAHISA president, Kagiso Keitumetse said the association was prepared to go ahead with the games despite the lack of sponsors.

However, he said a number of companies had shown interest in the games and promised to donate.

One company, he said, had already fulfilled its promise by buying medals. 

He said all the 34 affiliates from the four ministries had paid their participating contributions of P500 plus the P2 000 membership fee.

The ministries include land management water and sanitation, local government and rural development and health and wellness.

Keitumetse said government did not sponsor the games this time, noting that in the first games that were held in Lobatse government popped out P200 000.

Speaking at the same event, LAHISA vice president, Molatlhegi Timela said the games were more than that because they united employees, promoted healthy living and boosted the economy of the host town.

“We have earmarked a turn-around of P3 million if things can go as planned. Our main benefit is to see a healthy workforce, reduction in silent killer diseases and a further reduction in sick leaves,” he said.

He said it was important for public servants to stay health by avoiding non-communicable diseases such diabetes and heart attack.

LAHISA chairperson, Daniel Nkoketsang appealed to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure that the games become a success.

The association falls under the Southern Africa Inter-Municipalities Sports Association (SAIMSA), which its member states include South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.

LAHISA will send a team to Lusaka, Zambia to take part in SAIMSA games scheduled for September 22-28. ENDS