18 Dec 2019

The Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) has been acknowledged for helping to groom young and future athletes.

Officiating at the Botswana Games closing ceremony in Gaborone on Tuesday, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare said the games served various purposes for different athletes, with some seeking growth and recognition, whereas others participate to meet new people and explore new places.

“I urge sports administrators to take heed of good governance as it is the way to bringing good results,” he said, adding that sports development should not be left to government alone.

“Hosting events like world netball tournament has in the past promoted integration and interaction, building peace and stability,” Rakgare said.

He said whether one wins or loses, it was the experience of participating at the games that should be cherished, as it somehow leaves an athlete with a new feeling.

He also congratulated all those who qualified for the world youth championships to be held in Kenya next year.

The minister commended athletes and their coaches for the wonderful job they did.
Gaborone City Council mayor, Father Maphongo appreciated the growth of less recognised sporting codes in Botswana such as basketball.

“I got an opportunity to watch the women’s basketball final match and I was thrilled with the way the match unfolded as the ladies were passionate about what they were doing,” he said.
Maphongo said he was pleased with the way the organisers kept both the city and especially the playgrounds clean.

The competitions, which commenced on the December 10 and ended on December 17, attracted athletes from 14 districts including the visually impaired from around the country.

The host district, Gaborone are the 2019 Botswana Games champions followed by Central and Kweneng districts respectively.

Jason Mandoze from North West (100m), Kealeboga Baitemogi from Central (400m), Boitshepiso Kelapile from North West (100m), Letsile Tebogo from Gaborone (200m) and Bernard Olesitse from Southern (400m) qualified for the Athletics World Junior Championships. ENDS