11 Jul 2024

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture has assured Paris 2024 Olympic Games-bound team of government and the nation support.

Speaking at the team’s send-off ceremony in Gaborone  on Wednesday, Tumiso Rakgare told the athletes that they should know that everytime they set foot on track or on swimming pool, the nation was behind them.

He said by representing the country in Paris, they had become members of the elite club, which was not accessible to many. 

 “Athletes, go out there and do your thing,” he said.

Also, he said government was ready to keep the end of the deal as medal winners at the Olympics would be getting houses, among other incentives.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten our deal. The houses are ready for you to bring those medals home. 

Those who have qualified have been getting P8 000 each per month and they will be getting P30 000 each before they leave. Daily rates and incentives rates have also been increased,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Rakgare said government was in the process of developing the Sport and Creative Sector Strategy. 

He said the strategy was intended to be the framework through, which they would achieve the self-sustaining sport industry that produced globally competitive sportpersons. 

“It is on that note that we must hasten to applaud the sport leadership on a job well done in identifying and nurturing the talent that resulted in this team before us today. That being said, we would be remiss if we did not mention the support of all those who have come aboard as sponsors, investing in the team and its pursuit of excellence. This is a first for our Botswana Olympics Team and it must be recognised,” he said. 

Rakgare said they were experiencing a steady, even though slow commercialisation of sport in Botswana, which they believed was part of the impetus needed to stimulate investment and breed the symbiosis needed between Botswana sport and potential partners. 

The minister said it was therefore imperative to highlight that in the long-term, their intention was to utilise sport as a vehicle for nation building, economic growth and development. 

Furthermore, Rakgare said increased financial resources assisted in increasing mass participation, improving performances and attracting support. 

“In addition to this, our media partners also benefit from the commercialisation of sport. High profile sports stories help to attract audiences, listeners and readers. In turn, the media makes sure that sport maintains a high profile,” he said.

Botswana National Olympic Committee president, Botsanag Tshenyego, said the upcoming Paris Olympic Games hold profound significance, not only for the athletes who would compete but also for Botswana and the world. 

“Paris, a city that symbolises history, culture, and innovation, is the perfect backdrop for these Games. It is a city that has also taken a leading role in addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time climate change through the Paris Agreement,” he said. 

The alignment of the Olympic spirit with the Paris Agreement, he said underscored a powerful message; sports and sustainability go hand in hand.

He further said the Olympics were more than just a global sporting event, but were a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and unity, adding that they embody the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, values that resonate deeply with the nation. 

Meanwhile, Botswana will be represented in athletics and swimming. 

Letsile Tebogo will compete in 100m and 200 metres, while Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch and Collen Kebinatshipi will tackle 400m. 

Tshepiso Masalela, Tumo Nkape, Kethobogile Haingura and Oratile Nowe will compete in 800m. 

Lee Eppie, Anthony Pesela and Boitumelo Masilo are part of the 4x400m men’s relay team and Victor Ntweng will compete in 400m men’s hurdles. 

Two swimmers, Maxine Egner and Adrian Robinson have been awarded wild cards to represent Botswana at the Olympics. The Games starts from July 26 to August 11. Ends