01 Aug 2023

Botswana has sent 18 athletes to the Commonwealth Youth Games that will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4-11. Six athletes are from track and field while swimming is represented by two and netball has sent 10 players.

Speaking at the Team Botswana sendoff ceremony, director of sport in the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Moreetsi Bogosi said the Commonwealth Youth Games was an invaluable springboard for stars and leaders of tomorrow, as they contributed toward the development of youth sport throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Bogosi said it was for that reason that government through the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture would never miss an opportunity to send  athletes on an excursion of world class sporting experience as they embarked on their journeys to elite sportsmanship.

Furthermore, Bogosi said it was important to know at an early age in their sporting careers that doping was one ill they should avoid at all costs. 

“You may be pressured by the need to reach the top, pressured by your coach, your peers and even your loved ones. That pressure is real, we know, however please say no to doping,” he said.

Bogosi said it was of paramount importance that they know more about anti-doping.

“You need to know about all the substances that are banned in the sporting world. You also need to know that some of these substances are in simple beverages that you may not even know about. Get yourselves informed,” he said.

On other issues, he said sport tourism had seen countries develop infrastructure such as road networks, hotels and sporting facilities.  He said through hosting of major Games, the millions anticipated to trickle into a country during such period, could without question, boost the host nation’s economy.

“As you would be aware that we as a country are also in the throes of our bid to host one such event, in Africa Cup of Nations 2027, we therefore urge Batswana to pull together, both young and old to ensure the success of this bid,” he said. Botswana National Olympic Committee chief executive officer, Tebogo Kesupile said the Commonwealth Games had traditionally taken place every four years with the first event being hosted in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000.  Trinidad and Tobago were initially slated to host the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games, but they were postponed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international sport calendar.

“It will not be an easy undertaking to come out victorious at these Games, but I have complete trust in our athletes’ abilities and their preparation regime towards these Games.  We are TeamBW, even when the odds are stacked against us, we shine,” she said. ENDS