15 Jun 2025

 With less than 10 months remaining, Botswana is yet to fully prepare for the World Athletics Relays, which will be held in Gaborone next year in May.

The delay was caused by the finalisation of the Local Organising Committee (LOC). However, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Moses Bantsi said there would finally be progress following appointment of the committee by the Minister of Sport and Arts.

He urged the LOC to hit the ground running after receiving their letters of appointment, noting that the initial plan was that immediately after the announcement that Botswana would be hosting the 2026 Relays, the LOC would immediately meet and prepare for the event.

“After the announcement the BAA board convened and submitted their proposal by April 14, and the desire was for us to have started preparing gradually, so that when the members came back from the bench-marking mission from China they start the job,” he said.

Bantsi said World Athletics had already given them the milestones, guiding them as to what do to by when. He expressed confidence that the appointed LOC would meet and work on the milestones so as to meet deadlines.

“As a leader, you take the bull by the horns. I have been working on some of the milestones behind the scenes. I have been having meetings with World Athletics answering some of the questions they wanted clarity on,” he said.

Bantsi said the committee would need support from all stakeholders for them to deliver, adding that different sectors were going to benefit from the event such as transport logistics, hotels and other accommodation, fan enjoyment as well as some refurbishment of some of the facilities.

Bantsi said the world should not hesitate to come to Botswana as the country boast of top notch safety, political stability and the warmth and hospitality that Batswana were known for. ENDS