Organisers eye youth games economic boost

Boitshepo Majube | Friday January 24, 2014 15:49

Botswana Africa Youth Games Organising Committee (BAYGOC) CEO, Tuelo Serufho told Business Week that they are engaging University of Botswana experts to quantify the money that will be channelled into the economy from the event.

'We have already booked 3,000 rooms for the participants that we are accountable for, and we are monitoring the situation. There are another 1,000 extra rooms that can be added,' he said.

Serufho explained that they expect other visitors that are not accredited to attend the games to finance their stay. “Amongst those that are not accredited are ministers from different countries, heads of federations, sports officials, parents of athletes and spectators,” he said.

He said during the duration of the games, athletes would spend their money on things like airtime, sports wear and other equipment that they might need. 'Visitors that are not accredited too will spend their money on transport, food, accommodation and other needs,” he said.

He stated that during the games, they would use transport from both government and the private sector. 'We would also be using shuttle service to transport some of the delegates,' he said.

Serufho said the games budget is bankrolled from local and foreign sources. “For instance, we have an American company doing our uniforms for the games,' he said.

He said hosting the games will shed light and bring to prominence Botswana’s resources and above average sporting venues that can stage events for at least 20 sporting codes. 'At the conclusion of the games, we will join the ranks of African countries that have successfully hosted international and professional competitions,' he said.

He added that hosting the games is a clear testament and display of Botswana’s robust commitment to recognising the vital role sport plays in building and strengthening communities.