21 Jan 2021

 Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will host the 5^th inter-zonal track and field competitions on Saturday in Gaborone. 

The competitions are part of preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. 

The competitions will only feature athletes and officials from the southern part of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions on inter-zonal travel.

BAA vice president, Oabona Theetso said in an interview that since spectators were not allowed in the competition venue, it was possible for some athletes’s performances to be affected as a result of lack of support. 

Nonetheless, he said it was the only way for the event to take place as per the health authorities’ instructions.

Theetso noted that the deadline for registration was extended to January 21 from the initial date of 19 January in order to reach their target of 200 to 250 athletes.

He further pointed out that all athletes who were camping in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics would take part in the event, adding that Nigel Amos would also compete since he was still in the country.

According to a press release from BAA, each athlete will be required to enter a maximum of two individual events. 

The teams, says the release, will vacate the competition venue immediately after the event in an effort to observe social distancing.

Spectators will not be allowed into the competition venue as per the current health regulations, according to the release. 

All teams, it says, will be required to be accompanied by team officials in order to gain access to the facility. 

All participants are also encouraged to have their personal sanitizers with them at all times. Ends