25 Feb 2014

Constituency tournaments are said to be delivering targeted results as scores of youth who participate in the tournaments no longer indulge in alcohol and drugs.

Thulani Caiphus, head of Policy and Development at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said the tournaments have drawn a lot of attention from among the youth, as the numbers of participants and spectators increases every year. “More teams are registering to participate.

You will also notice that none of the spectators and participants is drinking alcohol. That’s a good indication that the tournaments are a huge success,” he said.Caiphus was speaking on the sidelines of the finals of the national constituency tournaments in Palapye over the weekend.

He said constituency tournaments keep the youth off the streets, away from alcohol, drugs and wayward behavior.  He added that the increase in the number of participants over the years is a sign of growth and acceptance from members of the public, especially the youth.

He further gave credit to the people who always volunteer to assist and make sure that the games run smoothly. “I must also thank the different departments that always come on board during preparations.The schools must also be commended for availing their grounds and accommodation to participants,” he said.

This year’s finals featured competitions in three sporting codes; football, netball and volleyball. In football, Kayo Stars from Mogoditshane beat Tumediso FC of Tati East after a grueling encounter that ended in a penalty shootout, and pocketed the P9, 900 prize money. Moletemane FC from Tswapong North came third while Thito FC from Maun West came fourth.

Volleyball was dominated by the men and women teams of Kasi VI from Selebi Phikwe. They each won trophies and P9 900. In netball, Delta Queens from Maun trounced Lizards from Bobonong to win a trophy and P9 900. ENDS