08 Nov 2021

Government is desirous to see the growth of sport in Botswana and will continue to resource it to ensure that happens. 

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said yesterday in his State of the nation address that government had spent over P40 million over the past three years in preparing athletes to participate at the Tokyo Olympics and the Under 20 Championships competitions. 

He stated that government had also rewarded the 4 x400 men’s relay team with housing units at a cost of P450 000 each, translating to P2.7 million for winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

 In addition, President Masisi recognised First National Bank of Botswana, which also rewarded the team with P1 015 000. 

“May I also recognise members of the public for the support given to the teams and take this opportunity to urge the private sector to meaningfully support government’s efforts in the development and commercialisation of sport in Botswana,” he said.

Furthermore, he said, the Under 20 team’s performance at the World Athletics Under 20 Games was exceptional, as they brought home three gold medals and one silver medal.

 “Botswana was ranked seventh overall at the Championships. Please join me once again in congratulating these young athletes on this remarkable achievement,” he said. 

As a way of improving sport infrastructure across the country government had ensured construction of 10 mini stadia around the country commenced in the 2018/19 financial year. 

The facilities in Bobonong and Moshupa would be handed over by the end of this financial year, while the rest of the facilities were at different stages of construction, he said. ENDS