22 Sep 2024

Okavango Diamond Company (ODC)’s celebration of women and advocating for gender equity in sport demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to a Botswana where opportunities are equal and where talent and hard work are measures of success.

This was said by ODC’s corporate counsel company secretary, Kusigani Mbambo at the celebratory event organised by Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO) Friday.

The event aimed to recognise women athletes and officials who represented the country at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Three athletes, Maxine Egner of swimming, Oratile Nowe of athletics and Gloria Majaga of Paralympics were the only women who competed at the Games.

Mbambo said supporting the event was not just about recognising athletic accomplishments, but also uplifting and empowering the women and girls of Botswana.

“We believe in the transformative power of sport to foster discipline, courage, confidence and values that extend beyond the playing field and into every aspect of life,” she said.

She said at ODC, they believed in the power of dreams and the importance of nurturing talent.

“Females often face unique challenges and barriers, yet they persist, inspiring countless young girls to dream big and aim high,” she said.

 WASBO chairperson, Keenese Katisenge-Tizhani said they advocated for the development and growth of women in sport across all levels, including administration, coaching and officiating.

“In line with this, we find it imperative to also recognise the representation and accomplishments of Gaone Poane and Dorothy Okatch, who represented Botswana and Africa as umpires at the 2024 Paris Olympics in tennis and in basketball, officiating matches involving the world’s top players and teams,” Katisenge-Tizhani said.

She added that they were also proud of their athletes Nowe and Egner, whose participation afforded them a percentage representation at the Olympics.

She said their continued representation was an inspiration and therefore WASBO remained committed to addressing the gender gap in sport representation.

“On the Paralympics front, a special recognition goes to Gloria Majaga for continually making us proud in various competitions. Her spirit is testament to the limitless possibilities that come with believing in oneself,” she said.

Meanwhile, ODC gifted all the three athletes with P7 500 each while the two officials, Poane and Okatch, each received P10 000.

Both the Olympics and Paralympics chef de mission were rewarded with P7 000 each, while the four medical team members would share P20 000.  ENDS