11 Sep 2024

Botswana diplomatic missions have responded to the national call for citizens and residents to honour the country’s Olympic team with rewards in recognition of their outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that heads of missions and their staff contributed P60 000 to commemorate the remarkable achievements of Botswana’s Olympic team. This contribution, the release says, acknowledges the country’s historic first Olympic gold medal, won by Letsile Tebogo in the men’s 200m race, as well as a silver medal secured by the men’s 4x400m relay team. 

Further, the  release highlight that the donations do not only celebrate the medals but also recognise the athletes for their role in advancing sports diplomacy through their participation in the Olympics. 

Their outstanding performances on the world stage have elevated Botswana’s profile and  raised the national at  international platforms. 

“Sports diplomacy is a key component of the work that Botswana’s diplomatic missions undertake to promote the country’s national interests abroad. Through sports diplomacy, the missions have fostered people-to-people exchanges and leveraged sports to promote youth empowerment and the national values of peace and good neighbourliness,” states the release. 

Botswana is home to 23 diplomatic missions, which include 22 embassies and high commissions along with one consular office. These missions are strategically located across various regions globally: nine in Africa (including a consulate), six in Europe, four in Asia and the Pacific, three in the Americas, and one in the Middle East. 

The missions are mandated to protect and promote Botswana’s national interests on bilateral, regional and international platforms. ENDS