Amos, BNOC clash over scholarship
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday March 22, 2022 15:04
Last week, BNOC announced beneficiaries of the scholarship but Amos' name was missing. Amos took to social media on Monday night, venting his frustration and indicating he was dumping Botswana to run as an independent athlete.
According to information reaching this publication, one of the reasons for rejecting Amos' application was that he has been a beneficiary of the fund over the past eight years.
The scholarships are for preparations towards and qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Amos has reportedly approached the BNOC to seek an explanation for the omission.
According to an official within the BNOC board, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) had submitted the athlete’s name for consideration.
“National federations submitted a list of all potential candidates as per the attached guidelines. We can confirm that your name was submitted by your National Federation,” the BNOC stated.
The BNOC said through a letter that 15 athletes were shortlisted and the names were submitted to the Olympic Solidarity with priority being given to young athletes with the technical ability to qualify for both the Paris 2024 Games and Los Angeles 2028. Athletes who have previously not benefited from the fund were prioritised.
“The Olympic Solidarity assessed the submissions together with the concerned international federations to determine suitable candidates and communicated with the NOC to endorse the same,” the BNOC wrote to Amos, in a letter seen by Mmegi Sport.
On Amos' outburst on social media, BNOC strategy and business development manager, Baboni Kupe said they are aware of the athlete's comments. However, she said they are still discussing the matter internally.