We are more than ready - BAYGOC
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday May 21, 2014 15:41
The Games get underway tomorrow with a colourful opening ceremony scheduled for the National Stadium. The pace of activity had picked up considerably at the Youth Games village, the University of Botswana yesterday and at a press briefing held at the institution, Serufho declared that everything is ready.
“We have said in the past that we will be ready when countries descend on Botswana. And indeed we are,” he stated. As of yesterday, 12 countries had checked into the Games village and more were expected to fly in. A brief flag raising ceremony was held for countries that had already arrived. BAYGOC marketing and outreach officer, Thato Disele said there will be a dedicated media bus and a shuttle service between match venues.
The Youth Games will see 54 countries compete in 21 disciplines over 11 days starting tomorrow afternoon. At least 2,500 athletes will battle it out with Botswana fielding 197 across all contested codes. Botswana’s Under-15 soccer team and its Nigeria counterpart will set the ball rolling when they clash at 1:00 pm at the SSKB Stadium tomorrow.
The President Ian Khama will officially open the tournament tomorrow evening at the National Stadium. The games are the biggest multi-sport event in Africa in terms of country representation.
OPENING DAY SCHEDULE:
Event Time Venue
Badminton 8:30am Otse
Botswana vs Nigeria (Soccer) 1:00pm SSKB
Official opening 5:30PM National Stadium