05 Mar 2021

Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) has cautioned Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) on violation of national COVID-19 regulations during the association’s last meet of BAA track and field.

The statement signed by BNSC caretaker chief executive officer Tuelo Serufho explains that there will be no further athletic competitions at all levels until BAA has submitted and received the approved plan on how their competitions will adhere to both the national COVID-19 regulations and BNSC guidelines.

According to the statement, during the last track and field hosted by Sportsview Runners Club on February 20, more than 50 people were allowed at the venue at a given time. 

This, BNOC says, was contrary to the requirement of the guidelines, as some spectators had even made it to the venue.

The statement further says the violations do not only put athletes and Botswana at risk, inter alia but has the potential to harm sport in its entirety.

BAA vice president administration Oabona Theetso confirmed that they received the statement from BNSC on Monday but argued that the required number of 50 people was very small to be adhered to during the track and field.

Theetso said the suggested number of 50 people per event could only accommodate coaches and athletes excluding the officials who play a critical role during the event.

He, however, noted that with the current status of COVID-19, it was best to suspend activities to protect all from the pandemic even though this was a setback for athletes.

 “Bear in mind that for athletes to qualify and perform during the world competition like the upcoming Tokyo 2020 they need to compete locally at a national level for qualification and fitness purpose”, he said.

BAA is expecting to send the team that will represent Botswana during the Tokyo 2020 and World Championships scheduled for next year. ENDs