05 Mar 2024

Botswana DanceSport Association (BODANSA) has been hailed for its decision to host the Botswana International Dance Sport Grandprix Championship, which exposed local artistes to much needed international competition.

Speaking at the event, Okavango Diamond Company managing director, Mmetla Masire hailed it as a celebration of beauty and artistry.

“Dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries and captures the essence of our humanity,” he said.

He said as the main sponsor, they took immense pride in supporting an event that not only showcased exceptional talent but also promoted cultural exchange and appreciation on a global scale. Masire commend BODANSA for their inclusive initiative, particularly in embracing individuals living with disabilities.

“This commitment to embracing mindset change, as emphasised by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi deserves our utmost respect and admiration,” he said. He said at ODC their dedication to the development of arts and sport was unwavering as demonstrated by sponsoring the recent Africa Netball Championships.

“We are truly committed to playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent and promoting sport excellence in our country. We are proud to support activities like this, that potentially allow our athletes to represent Botswana on the global stage,” he said.

Masire also urged other institutions and the private sector to join in investing in sport development, especially that the country was brimming with talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

“It is only through our collective support that future stars could shine. BODANSA president, Tiroeaone Ntsima said that as the association, they were proud to start the year with an activity of such a magnitude. He said this was more so that they had been without notable activities since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We also appreciate our clubs and international associations for heeding our call to bring competitors in large numbers. We would love to see more people recruited into the dance sport,” he said.

The Grandprix attracted participation from countries such as eSwatini, Lesotho and Mocambique.

It was also announced at the event that BODANSA has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Botswana Council for the Disabled to include its members in the sport, an initiative that was applauded by various speakers as a welcome gesture of inclusivity. Ends