Gaborone to host Africa Youth Championships
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday January 13, 2024 06:00
The BTTA was awarded the hosting rights for the elite youth tournament last year and a number of locations in the country were considered in a bid to boost sport tourism and the capital city came tops. The Africa Youth Championship will host both the Under-15 and Under-19 tournaments and is to be held from July 15-21.
Gaborone got the nod as the capital city boasts excellent sporting infrastructure. "The city is equipped with modern stadiums, training facilities, and accommodation options that meet the requirements of hosting such a prestigious event. These facilities ensure that athletes, officials, and spectators will have a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the championships," a statement from BTTA reads.
The 2024 edition will be the biggest table tennis tournament to be held in the country. Last year, the BTTA hosted the ITTF Southern Region Hopes tournament in Gaborone. The BTTA Botswana Open has also become popular in the region as it attracts top players from powerhouses such as South Africa and Zambia.
The BTTA has said Gaborone is a ready-made host as it has a strong track record of successfully hosting international sports events. The mother body said the city has previously hosted various regional and continental tournaments, demonstrating its experience and ability to handle large-scale sporting competitions thus making Gaborone a reliable and capable choice for hosting the championship. The BTTA expects the championships to bring socio-economic benefits to the city and the country as a whole. "By hosting the Africa Youth Championships, Gaborone stands to benefit in multiple ways.
Firstly, the event will put Gaborone on the global spotlight as an attractive sports destination. This exposure can attract international recognition and potentially lead to increased tourism and investment opportunities for the city," the BTTA said. "Additionally, hosting a major sporting event stimulates the local economy.
The influx of participants and spectators contributes to increased spending on accommodation, meals, transportation, and leisure activities, benefiting the local businesses. This economic boost can have a long-lasting positive impact on Gaborone and its residents," the statement added. Prior to the Africa Youth Championships, the BTTA will hold the ITTF-ATTF Development Activities camp from July 10-14.