Skating fights for recognition
Dumisani Ncube | Wednesday September 3, 2014 11:57
Affiliation to the BNSC will provide skaters with an opportunity to organise and participate in international competitions. Gulubane said they are waiting for a response from BNSC on the matter.
He said the BSA was established to organise competitions locally but they need affiliation to the BNSC to go international. Gulubane said skate boarding is growing in Botswana and the aim of BFA is to raise more awareness about the sport.
He said youngsters usually attend skating sessions at the Main Mall in Gaborone on Saturdays and the future of sport in Botswana looks promising. Gulubane said BSA has strong ties with the South African skating community.
He said BSA intends to send young skaters to compete in South Africa. He is aware that even after getting affiliation to BNSC, huge challenges lie ahead. The BSA does not have a dedicated venue for skating particularly after the Molapo Skating Park closed due to the expansion of the shopping mall. The unavailability of a venue forces skaters to skate on streets, exposing them to dangers.
Skaters have taken advantage of the Standard House parking lot at the Gaborone Main Mall, which is usually vacant on weekends. BSA does not have funds to organise local competitions. Gulubane said officials are forced to use their own funds to host competitions.
He lamented that skating equipment is expensive and is beyond the means of most skaters. He said this hinders the growth of the sport in the country.