BWF takes wrestling to primary schools holds

Kevin Obotseng | Thursday December 5, 2013 17:34

Sharp said during the event they managed to train 40 teachers who would in turn teach students at the respective schools.

“The attendance was pleasing and it was the second wrestling event to be held here,” said Moagi.  He also added that even though they managed to hold the event they also faced some challenges as the Botswana National Sports Council released a grant of P200,000 very late.

 “It made planning difficult as we had a short time to organise,” Sharp added

 He said lack of the right equipment was another challenge they experienced as they were forced to use karate mats for wrestling training, which can pose danger.

 “In April we held talks with the South African Wrestling Federation to provide an instructor who also officiates at the Olympics but our request was ignored. This opportunity would have improved the sport in our country,” added Moagi.

He advised BNSC to always act hastily to the federation’s request, as it will help them achieve the Vision 2028 of scooping five gold medals at the Olympic games.

Chairperson of the BNSC Solly Reikeletseng rubbished the claims that the council released money late.

He told Mmegi grants have rules and regulations and for an event to be funded it has to be planned well. He said it did not mean that if they had allocated money to a federation it would be given to them without proper planning.

He said Sharp was told that the federation would not be helped unless it addressed certain the issues.

“If you have a problem you should know how to go about it by taking the right steps to solve it,” said Reikeletseng Sharp pleaded with the business community to help support the sport financially stating that it would help to diversify the economy of Selebi-Phikwe, which is currently dependent on mining.

“We could introduce sports tourism and people from different parts of would converge annually in Selibe-Phikwe,” said Moagi

BWF is a member of the International Association of Wrestling that has 177 members around the world.

Sharp called on the government to build a hall where they could host events and hold practices.

 Sharp said BWF was formed in January19 2010 in Selebi-Phikwe. It has 10 clubs around the country. All the clubs have been privatised to enable partnership with private companies