Cheerleading on rebranding mission
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 17, 2023 15:31
BCF president, Neo Selwe told Mmegi Sport that although this is a non-elective AGM, it is a critical meeting in that it will chart the way forward as the federation is in a transformational phase.
“Chief amongst issues that I will touch on when I give the president’s report is the BCF rebranding, participation at regional and international forums to hone both administrative and technical skills for the federation and a robust grassroots development programme targeting schools,” she said.
Selwe said the AGM is a litmus test for BCF as it will be revealing plans for the transformation and growth of the federation despite the financial constraints that they continue to face as sport in Botswana.
She said in the last financial year, they received a grant of just above P50,000. She said when the Botswana National Sport Commission requested National Sport Associations to submit budget proposals for the 2023–2024 financial year, the BCF submitted a proposal of P2 million. Selwe explained that the budget is bloated because they are also buying basic equipment as well as tumbling mats that they do not have.
When asked about the visibility of cheerleading in the country, Selwe said in the 2023-2024 calendar, they have activations. “These are meant for visibility. Over and above that, the schools' outreach recruitment drive is also meant to add on to such efforts,” she added. The BCF will in June take part in the Africa Cheerleading Championships to be hosted in Durban, South Africa.
She said the date for the continental showpiece is yet to be announced. Selwe said the BCF will host national championships on November 25. Cheerleading is an Olympic sport, with the local federation formed and registered in 2018.