Athletics competition moved to Gaborone
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday September 24, 2014 10:52
The organisers’ spokesperson, Mogomotsi Otsetswe said they chose Gaborone to host this year’s edition to appreciate the high number of primary schools in the southern parts of the country.
Otsetswe said the tournament, billed for next month, is usual held in areas where A1 Hardware has presence, with the first edition held in Selebi-Phikwe in 2009.
“The idea has always been to promote athletics at grassroots level. We expect more schools to participate in the event because there are many primary schools in the southern part of the country that have always had interest but distance has always been obstacle,” said Otsetswe.
The hardware shop sponsors the competition to the tune of P120, 000. He pointed out that the decision to shift venues was difficult as over the five years, the competition has been associated with Selebi-Phikwe and Palapye.
He said schools from the south always participate in the tournament and that they spend a lot on travelling expenses.
Otsetswe said they have made a decision to ease the travel burden for the teams from the south for the first time since the competition’s inception. Schools from the north are still part of the annual event. A1Hardware and Electrical has spent more than P200, 000 since the event started in 2009. He said the competition targets boys and girls aged between nine and 12 years. Otsetswe said they have not set the date because they do not want to interfere with general elections.
Winners will walk away with a cash prize of P5, 000, while runners-up pocket P4, 000. The school that finishes third gets P3, 000, while number four up to 10 receive P1, 000. Teams finishing 11th up to 30th will be consoled with P500.