20 Aug 2013

Maun region has a wealth of talent in terms of sport performance and development in Botswana.

This was observed by speakers at the handing over of volleyball equipment by Botswana National Sports Council to Re Ba Bona Ha programme. They said the region had contributed significantly in the development and growth of sports in the country as talented athletes were unearthed from the region.

The deputy regional director from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Didimalang Memo said the partnership between Botswana Volleyball Federation, Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) and BOPSSA had ensured that the Re Ba Bona Ha mini volleyball development identified talent at primary schools.

She thanked BNSC for the donation, noting that children would fully participate in sports activities using appropriate equipment. Memo noted that her ministry was mandated to provide quality education and that their involvement in sports is to make children’s minds active, adding that children have the right to play.

She said sports provide an opportunity to make schools friendly to children, adding that some can be motivated by sports to excel in their studies.

Memo also noted that they want to see volleyball developing in the county, adding that more focus has been given to football. A volleyball coach, George Keotsene said they have been lobbying the sports council to merge mini volleyball and Re Ba Bona Ha programmes because there was duplication and that their request was successful. He urged all stakeholders to support the programme, and to work as a team for the development of sports in the country.

Meanwhile, BNSC also handed sports equipment to Okavango Junior Secondary School in Gumare. The school is one of the six secondary schools that have been designated as centres of sports excellence in the country.

A press statement from the council said BNSC received funds amounting to more than P1 million from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. ENDS