04 Nov 2019

Government continues to invest in youth development programmes, especially in sports to unite the country.

Speaking at the official opening of First National Bank-BOTESSA Indoor and Outdoor Championship at BONA Courts, Gaborone on November 2, Khumo Property CEO, Outule Bale said it was evident that sport was the main driver of youth development.

He said sport instills discipline, teamwork, and promotes physical well-being among the youngsters, adding that it was therefore imperative that all institutions continue to support student  activities.

“I also urge the business world to continue supporting sports, and let me pay homage to First National Bank Botswana-BOTESSA affiliates and all stakeholders for organising competitions of this magnitude,” he said.

Furthermore, Bale said it was upon the association, through its visionary leadership to change the landscape of sports in Botswana by producing quality athletes at tertiary institutions to benefit the national teams.

Being cognizant that the athletes use the competition as a yardstick to qualify for Confederation of University and Colleges of Southern Africa (CUCSA) games scheduled for Maseru next year, Bale encouraged all to work hard during the competitions to achieve their ultimate goal of making the CUCSA list.

“Great moments are born from great opportunities, and that’s what you have to do here, and also some of you will have a chance to receive awards organised by FNB,” he said.

He said BOTESSA’s intention was to have at least five athletes at the 2028 Olympics from tertiary institutions and it was through initiatives such as First National Bank-BOTESSA Indoor and Outdoor championship that could aid the association achieve its dream.

“My message to the athletes is; embrace the rollers-coaster of emotions that come with the competitions, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, the hard work and sacrifice it takes to  ascend.  

All these are absolute necessary ingredients for your development as resilient leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

BOTESSA president Keorapetse Setlhare said preparations for this year’s edition was not easy as they encountered challenges among them lack of facilities.

He said it was now time for BOTESSA as a feeder to the elite league and national teams to be given the attention it deserved by different stakeholders.

“Quite often people tend to celebrate when athletes do well at international stages, but only a handful is seen during critical stage of development.

To produce competitive sport persons there is need to invest time and resources,” he said. ENDS