19 Feb 2014

Chairman of Botswana National Olympic Committee's (BNOC) local organising committee (LOC),  Marumo Morule says the newly formed sporting codes that will compete in the Africa Youth Games (AYG) should be retained after the games.

When giving the media an update of Team Botswana’s preparations, Morule said it will be a waste not to retain codes like rowing, canoeing and triathlon when the games end in May as it was costly to start a new code.

“As the LOC we could not pass on an opportunity to field a local team under these codes because we are building a legacy for future Olympians,” he said. He revealed that some of the sport codes had been in existence in Botswana, but only for leisure and not as competitive sports.

He gave the example of rowing and canoeing which had been operating under the mentorship of the yacht club at Gaborone Dam. Morule said the AYG are unique because they will be taking place on home ground, and will offer an opportunity for young athletes to compete at continental level.

Team Botswana Chef De Mission Tshepo Sitale also reiterated Botswana’s commitment to retaining all sporting codes that were formed ahead of Gaborone 2014.

However, he could not reveal Botswana’s medal target, saying he is still waiting for a report from team managers and coaches on the respective teams’ preparedness.

Sitale explained that the main objective is to develop elite sports at junior level, within the age range of 14 to 18 years, to leave a legacy of athletes.

“We also want to establish and grow new sporting codes that will compete at the games. The introduction of canoeing and rowing bear testimony to this,” he said.

Botswana will field 204 athletes whose names will be released after all teams have done their final selection at the end of February.

Sitale also revealed that all the 21 sporting codes that will be competing at the games have been in training camps. He also introduced the team managers who will be in charge of all the codes.

Meanwhile, Botswana Africa Youth Games Organising Committee CEO Tuelo Serufho revealed that eight out of the 16 competition venues are ready, and some of the venues have already been commissioned.

He also revealed that the International Rowing Federation team visited the country earlier this month and approved the water levels as suitable for competition. ENDS