07 Apr 2024

A case in which Golden Sports Agency was seeking redress at the High Court concerning the hosting of Botswana Golden Grand Prix has been put to rest after the concerned parties found a common ground to work together for the interest of the nation.

Golden Sports Agency took the matter to court after World Athletics (BAA) revoked the event rights and gave them to Botswana Athletics Association.

Golden Sports Agency then went to court to interdict the preparations of the event, which was scheduled for April 14.

However on Friday Gaborone High Court Justice Tshepo Motswagole advised both Golden Door Sports Agency, Botswana National Sport Commission and BAA to find a common ground in the interest of athletics and the nation.

He said Botswana Golden Grand Prix event benefited both the athletes and the country, hence parties advised to look at the bigger picture than scoring points on each other.

“Litigation does not solve any problem but rather score points on each other. At the end it is the athletes and the nation that suffers,” he said. The two parties then requested for an adjournment, and it was after the adjournment that the parties involved reached a consensus to mend disagreements.

The parties then agreed to reschedule the Golden Grand Prix to a later date. They agreed on financial transparency and allocation and that Golden Sports Door Agency was entitled to 65 per cent of the net profits generated from the event, as well as to receive 10 per cent of the sponsorship funds excluding government funding.

Another agreement is that full disclosure regarding the event’s finances, resources and obligations toward the Golden Sports Door Agency is mandated for clarity and accountability.

Also management of remaining profits and residual profits post-distribution are to be deposited into an Escrow account.

The account according to the settlement will be collectively managed by the Golden Sports Agency, BNSC and BAA to ensure joint oversight.

Both parties also agreed that Golden Door Sports Agency would give BNSC documentation regarding disputed information from the 2023 event. The information included amongst others; supporting documentation for costs expended and the court order relating to ticket dispute with Gaone Dixon. Both parties agreed to collaboratively notify World Athletics of the recent progress and that each party will pay its own costs. ENDS