Horseracing comes to Botswana
Lerato Maleke | Monday March 9, 2015 14:54
The minister explained that the move is meant to promote event driven tourism. He said his ministry continues to participate and collaborate with that of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism through Botswana Tourism Organisation in other sporting events that drive tourism such as Khawa Sand Dune Challenge, Makgadikgadi Epic and 1000km Toyota Desert Race. He said when presenting his ministry’s budget in Parliament last week that these events continue to attract a lot of tourists and that their popularity has increased overtime.
Olopeng revealed to Parliament that the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) and its affiliates are currently experiencing administrative challenges. These include the council’s (in) ability to manage different sports codes affiliated to it. To overcome this, the ministry would commit resources to address governance challenges in the sporting fraternity. Olopeng said that Parliament passed the Botswana National Sport Commission Bill in July 2014, which has since been signed into law and preparations are underway to ensure that it comes into effect in the financial year 2015-2016.
He said that investing in sports development and promotion is of critical importance. He said participation in sport has a number of benefits such as socio-economic development and enhancing national unity and pride. “Sports development and promotion includes infrastructure development and maintenance, youth programme implementation and competing at various levels,” he said. During the year under review, Olopeng said that his ministry was able to complete the re-grassing of Serowe stadium and reconnection to the sewer line.
He said that his ministry was able to complete additional works at Lobatse stadium which included a retractable tunnel, tiling of VIP area, providing emergency gates, installation of electronic score board and Public Address System as well as safety rails and signage. Olopeng said that the ministry intends to fence some community sports fields during 2015-2016 financial year. These facilities are intended to promote sport for all or mass participation in sport programmes with a view to contribute to national fitness and wellness. Olopeng said the maintenance of Maun stadium has started. He said that a National Fitness Programme will be launched in April and is to be rolled out to other centres around the country. The ministry intends to make every second Saturday of the month to be a fitness day when everyone will be requested to participate in a fitness session as an individual, through an association or with a group of friends. He hailed the controversial constituency leagues saying that it has produced stars who are now turning out for Premier League sides and the national team.