12 Mar 2014

The second Africa Youth Games, scheduled for Gaborone in May, are a national imperative, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, Jefferson Siamisang has said.

Briefing Ghanzi District full council meeting Tuesday March 11, Siamisang said Batswana should ensure the games became a success.

Siamisang said the country would host 2 500 athletes competing in 21 sports codes, 1 500 officials and other international delegates in sport as well as journalists, parents and talent scouts.

He noted much progress had been done by the Botswana African Youth Games Organizing Committee (BAYGOC) to ensure successful delivery of these games. He therefore implored the Ghanzi District Council and its communities to also take part in the successful delivery of the games.

Siamisang said Batswana’s response to help in preparations for the games was encouraging. He said various private sectors had assisted with money while some pledged to give a hand to ensure the success of the games.

He informed the councillors that the University of Botswana facilities and stadium as well as other sport facilities in Otse and Lobatse would be used during the games. He said government had wished to have completed some stadia in some villages and towns but due to the financial crisis, that was not possible.

Siamisang also briefed the council meeting on Tirelo Setshaba which would kickstart on April 1 as well as the preparations for Botswana’s 50th independence anniversary. Ends