06 Jun 2021

Botswana Tertiary Student Sport Association (BOTESSA), vice president Technical, Tebogo Kgari says the leadership training for athletes with disability, will equip them with skills that will enable them to perform well in everything they do, on and off the field.

Speaking recently, Kgari highlighted that they were developing complete athletes, adding that they did not want their athletes to only perform well on the field, but also do well in their daily lives.

He urged trainees to pass what they learnt to others, noting that they believed athletes would also assist during BOTESSA’s different activities such as games.

BOTESSA vice president said even though sports activities were suspended, it does not mean other activities could not be carried out.

“We have to continue with other activities that would help athletes and officials to be ready when sports resumed,” he added.

Kgari advised other sporting codes that this was the time to conduct trainings such as leadership for their athletes and officials so that everything runs smoothly upon resumption of games.

According to Kgari, training went well, having managed to train 23 athletes due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Other groups will follow,” he said.

Delivering his presentation, Special Olympics Botswana Athlete Leadership Programmes (ALPs) officer, Fire Mogotsi informed the athletes that their organisation provided Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Mogotsi said this gave them continued opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other special Olympic athletes and the community at large.

He indicated that objectives of the training was for them to develop self-confidence, listening skills, learn to express their opinions as well as to be able to work as a team to solve problems.

Mogotsi told trainees that it was very important to work well as a team when hoping to achieve one common goal, which included good communication skills and time management.

“Working closely with other team members need clear communication, which is key to the team’s success,” he added.

He indicated that it was vital to live together in the community despite disability differences, adding that upon completion of the training, with improved confidence and all other skills they would be able to fit well within the community. ENDS