23 Sep 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games 200m champion, Letsile Tebogo has been received with a deservingly rousing welcome as he arrived at his home village of Kanye on Saturday. 

 Tebogo thanked Bangwaketse for their love and support as he continued to participate in various competitions, locally and internationally.

 The Olympic champion also challenged young people to become active by taking part in sporting activities so that they can be healthy and avoid engaging in criminal activities.

The team captain, Boitumelo Masilo also urged young people to balance between their studies and sport. 

Masilo informed the youth of the abundant opportunities in sport, which they could take advantage of in their pursuit to become successful.

He commended government for its commitment to developing sport in the country as well as the support and contribution during the Olympic Games

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare highlighted the need to motivate youngsters to engage in different sporting activities, owing to the numerous opportunities that they presented.

“It is important to help children identify their field in sport based on their interests and encourage them so that they be successful in future,” he said.

He added that sport can be a powerful tool to engage communities, prevent crime, violence and drug use, which was currently on the rise among youth.

On one hand, he said the ministry was in the process of reintroducing sport in schools as a way to increase increasing participation and ensure that sport and physical activities were accessible to everyone regardless of their background.

“Not only sport is vital for young people’s physical and mental health, it also teaches them life skills such as resilience, dedication and team work,” he said.

The minister thanked the Kanye community for welcoming Tebogo and his team. 

He also applauded the Olympians for bringing the medals home and in turn raising the Botswana flag higher and inspiring the next generation with their performance in Paris.

“You are the shining example of perseverance and determination and your achievements are a testament to hard word and passion for sport,” he said.

He also thanked the coaches and the organising team for their tireless efforts in making sure that the team performed well at the Olympic Games.Ends