Stage set for national Para Games
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday November 17, 2025 06:00
They are regarded as premier multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. Speaking to MmegiSport, the games marketing coordinator, Tiroyaone Otimile, said the competition will bring together para-athletes from across the country.
During the games, he explained, the athletes will compete in different disciplines, celebrate inclusivity and showcase talent and determination.
“The slogan for the games is Unleashing Abilities. The games are an initiative of Paralympics Association of Botswana (PASSOBO), working closely with Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) and the Ministry of Sport and Arts (MoSA),” Otimile said in an interview.
According to him, the idea is to create a platform where people with disabilities can compete and thrive through sport.
He said for Botswana, it is part of building a stronger pathway for the athletes to reach regional and international competitions like the Paralympic Games.
Otimile also highlighted that the goal is twofold. One is to provide competitive exposure for the athletes and identify top talent that can represent the country internationally, he said. Secondly, they aim to raise awareness about disability sport and inspire inclusion.
“We also want to use the games to encourage local communities, businesses, and institutions to get involved in supporting para-sport development.
“On December 4, we will be attending the United Nations (UN) International Disability Day in Jwaneng,” he said.
Games that will be played are wheelchair basketball, blind soccer, deaf soccer, and netball.
There will also be a demonstration of sports, including wheelchair tennis, weightlifting, and darts. Otimile said MoSA, through BNSC, funds the games.
However, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is still seeking partnerships from the business community. Kesegotse Tatedi heads the LOC, whilst Monty Ratlou from PASSBO chairs the technical subcommittee. Meanwhile, Deaf Sport is part of the games through deaf soccer, which is a key event in the programme.
“Despite miscommunication oversights which have occurred and raised concerns, the National Paralympic Games are about inclusion, and we will ensure our planning has involved various disability sport associations, including the deaf, so that no athlete or group feels left out because these games belong to all para-athletes in Botswana,” Otimile said.
He revealed that over the weekend they will host an activation tour, which will also be used as qualifiers for the main games.