24 Nov 2024

The involvement of parents in sport has been described as a vital ingredient toward success in sport development, says Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho.

Speaking at the launch of Botswana Softball Association (BSA) Re Ba Bona Ha Launch at the National Diamond in Gaborone on Saturday, Serufho said through the Botswana Long Term Athlete Development Framework, children were from a young age partaking in different sporting codes in an endeavour to choose the one where they excel or were in love with.

“Allow your children to participate in many sporting codes as possible. Do not confine them to one event since you do not know what they love the most and where they will excel. They will focus on one sporting code when they are  mature,” said Serufho.

With the support of parents, Serufho said children have the greatest chances of excelling in whatever sport they were doing.

He has also appreciated the support of Debswana, as the company has been walking with them in development of sport.

Serufho said Debswana was an enduring partner in sport development and their support was worth applauding as since 2008, it has been funding Re Ba Bona Ha programmes across the country.

The BNSC chief also encouraged and urged children to take sport seriously as it was bound to empower them to provide for their livelihoods in future.

Serufho has also applauded government for providing all the necessary support to BNSC that was aimed at developing and growing sport.

Despite the funding competing interests, Serufho said government was committed to allocating a share of the budget for sport development.

He also appealed to the private sector to support sport either financially or through value in kind, which may include among others, accommodation and transport for athletes.

Debswana Corporate Affairs manager, Patrick Mokwele said since 2008, Debswana has been annually supporting BNSC with P2 million toward Re Ba Bona Ha programme. Mokwele said the BSA Re Ba Bona Ha centre in Gaborone was the 35^th across the country.

He said talent was something that was natural without barriers and was not instilled into a person based on their societal status or location. Mokwele said Debswana believed in nurturing talent and has invested more than P180 million benefiting various sporting codes, especially young people across the country.

He said over P16 million was directly invested in the Re Ba Bona Ha programme since 2008.

“The partnership between Debswana and BNSC meant all children have an opportunity to play sport. Opening this centre is a tangible reminder to us that all our children must have a place to play and unleash their talent,” said Mokwele.

He further said sport taught invaluable skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience.

“Take advantage of such an opportunity. Sport is a pathway to possible dual pathway development, being professional and sport career development. The combination of education and sport opens many an endless opportunities,” he said.

Mokwele said the opening of the centre was a sign that the parents, BSA and Debswana have an assurance that children have potential and were determined to grow and nurture it.

“We are grooming future stars. Debswana will offer you full support and we are looking forward to seeing you grow, succeed and inspire others,” he said.

Mokwele said it was the responsibility of all to fight challenges affecting sport.

“Let the centre be a place of joy. Enjoy the facility and shine bright like diamonds,” said Mokwele.

BSA president, Tuelo Mukokomani appealed to the children to take the development programme seriously.

“We will give you time and instil in you the necessary skills. To parents, continue supporting your children and encourage them to play softball,” he said. Ends