Debswana's Long Lasting Love For Sport

By Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe
Correspondent | Monday April 16, 2007 00:00

 

He added that the company has contributed money for the extension of the National Stadium following its initial construction for the Independence Day celebrations in 1966. Debswana sponsored the development and training of the   Diamond Zebras of 1997 (the Under-17 national football team). 'It is well worth noting that a significant number of the current national football team are products of the Diamond Zebras,' he told the audience that included the Minister for Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, the Attorney General Athalia Molokomme, Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) chairperson, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu.

Sesinyi added that Debswana's squash facilities and training programmes at their various diamond mines produced a number of national players for both junior and senior leagues. At least one player from the Debswana programme Lefika Ragontse attained international ranking and played in the US. Besides squash and football, Debswana has also sponsored chess. Sesinyi said sponsorship of schools chess did not attract the traditional retail sector and that is why the company stepped in. 'This has created a substantial following in schools, recognition by the Botswana National Sports Council and an improved academic performance particularly in subjects such as mathematics for those involved in chess,' he revealed.

He said that Debswana is the first company to sponsor the minor sports such as chess, badminton and squash. Sesinyi said his company continues to support sports regardless of their size.

'This year alone, Debswana will spend P9 million on various community projects, and P1 million has already been committed to various sports activities. The P1 million will be shared by eight sports codes. These are volleyball, hockey, squash, badminton, netball, tennis, athletics, chess and football. We are confident that our assistance will go a long way in making a difference to sports development in Botswana,' he announced.

The cocktail party was co-sponsored by Coca Cola and Debswana. Sesinyi paid tribute to the soft drinks giant for its unwavering support of local sports.