13 Aug 2024

None of the athletes who represented Botswana at the  Paris 2024 Olympics will go home empty-handed. His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi assured the nation during a welcome ceremony held at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

As a symbol of gratitude and support, President Masisi announced that the entire team would be treated to a dinner on Thursday, where the details of their rewards would be revealed. “That is where we will unveil everything that is due to them, and it will surely be a lot. None of them will go home empty-handed,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to the French government for their camaraderie throughout the games.

The President took a moment to encourage the athletes, saying, ‘we also appreciate all Batswana who stood by you every single day.’

“The gold was exceptional, but the near gold was even more exciting. The collective wish among Batswana was that the race could have been extended by a few meters in the 4x400m relay, where Tebogo was closing in on Rai Benjamin from Team USA just before the finish line.

Looking ahead, President Masisi called for thorough preparations for the  Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, emphasising that the nation would not settle for less than the achievements realised this year. “Preparations begin today, and we will bring more medals from there. The government will avail resources to support the preparations,” he reaffirmed.

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, Honourable Tumiso Rakgare, commended the whole team, stating that they made the nation proud and deserved recognition. He expressed gratitude to the sponsors who stood by the team, saying that their success was a shared victory for all Batswana.

Highlighting the government’s responsibility to reward the athletes, Minister Rakgare said, ‘three years back, a policy was reviewed. I can assure you that Letsile Tebogo will receive two houses for his medals, and they are ready.”

Additionally, he said, the relay team members would also receive houses.

In acknowledgment of their past achievements, athletes Anthony Pesela, Leungo Scotch, and Bayapo Ndori will each be awarded second houses, while the coaching staff will also receive due recognition for their contributions.

Chef de Mission, Oreeditse Marakakgoro expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support the team received from the nation. “We achieved all we did because of your support, love and prayers,” she said.

Ms Marakakgoro emphasised that the team had promised to bring Olympic glory back home, and they succeeded.

She also commended the government for ensuring the athletes’ welfare, stating, “our athletes never complained about anything - whether food, accommodation, or anything else - which contributed to their good performance.” The technical team, largely composed of volunteers, and the families of the athletes were recognised for their sacrifices.

Ms Marakakgoro proposed that even athletes who did not win medals should be rewarded, suggesting residential plots as a suitable recognition for their efforts.

Botswana’s ‘golden boy,’ Tebogo, thanked his teammates for their support, especially during challenging moments. “I also appreciate those who transported my family to watch me. Even Batswana who stay in Paris gave us good support, and for that, we are grateful,” he remarked. ENDS