11 Apr 2023

Batswana have been encouraged to capitalise on opportunities presented by sport.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of Lorwana Easter Holidays sport extravaganza on Sunday, Mmathethe/Molapowabojang MP, Edwin Dikoloti said sport tourism could play an important role in the economic and social growth of a nation and could also enhance the health of individuals and the community.

Lorwana Easter Holidays sport extravaganza commenced Saturday with dog races that attracted a large crowd and continued Sunday with  a soccer tournament.

Dikoloti said he organised sport activities to improve the standard and quality of life of the constituents and other Batswana with hope to grow their businesses.

He noted that harnessing such opportunities could have significant potential for hosting areas to change their economic landscape and called on Batswana to employ sport tourism as a diversification strategy as the country forged forward from an upper-middle-income status to a high-income country, with an export-led economy underpinned by diversification.

Dikoloti urged Batswana to make use of opportunities available for the country to achieve its transformation agenda.

He said sport tourism could attract high-yield visitors and repeat visitors, thereby assisting to develop new infrastructure in host areas.

Botswana Greyhound Association chairperson, Andre Van Zyl said the value of dogs was increasingly growing due to dog races, noting the competition had grown in leaps and bounds.

“The Saturday dog races attracted participants from South Africa and that on its own was a sign that such races were growing in the country,” he said.

Van Zyl said it was important to provide the safest and most reliable start to each race while reducing the risk of injuries to the animals.

Van Zyl said greyhounds should not be denied veterinary care or housed in inadequate kennel conditions since animal welfare issues remained paramount for optimum results.

Johnvuligate of Botho Kennel got position one in the 400 metre open female final and in the 400 metre open crosses, Babayaro of Van Zyl Kennel got position one.

In under 18 category in 300 metre, Lilly Girl of Shimane Kennel got position one while in under 18 crosses in 300 metre, Laizer of Zee Kennel got position one.

In the under 12, in 200 metre Kilara Lion of Shimane Kennel got position one and Just do it of KK Kennel got position one in under 15 finals in 300 metre.

The 400 metre for open males was nullified due to technical glitches.

For each category position one got a prize money of P1 700, Position two P1 000 and P750 for position three. ENDS