25 Feb 2024

The Golden Door Sports Agency (GDSA) intends to continue with the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, although World Athletics has stripped the agency of the right to host the event.

Glody Dube of GDSA said in an interview after hosting a press conference last week that they were engaging sponsors and other stakeholders so that the meet can continue at the National Stadium on April 14. 

He said organisers’ ambition was to host an improved event this year.

In addition, he said they would invite world and Olympic champions to participate in the meet.

“I know Batswana have learnt to love this meet so I cannot disappoint them and with their support, I know I will pull it through,” he said.

Furthermore, Dube said he was not in any position to dump a meet he had been organising for over 10 years. 

“We are not saying sponsors should give us money. We are simply saying pay for the services like hotels and transport. GDSA is still at infancy and its aim is to help athletes grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.  Meanwhile, Dube told a press conference that World Athletics had terminated a three-year contract with GDSA and ultimately gave rights to Robert Wagner.  He said World Athletics allegedly terminated the contract because GDSA failed to source sponsorship for the Botswana Golden Grand Prix 2024 edition.

He said he had since communicated to World Athletics to seek clarity as to why the rights were taken away from him.  However, Dube denied allegations that the contract was terminated because he failed to account for money, which was deposited into GDSA account.

He said he had accounted for everything, adding that an audit was carried out at GDSA. ENDS