Special Olympics Call For Govt Support
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 10, 2015 14:46
Speaking at a welcome dinner for the Special Olympics team, Tebele said the committee deserves to be assisted with funding just like its counterparts at Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPPSA) and Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA).
The team had participated at the International Special Olympics Games that were held in United States of America, and came back victorious with four gold, ten silver and six bronze medals.
Tebele stated that they have attempted to meet the minister to inform her of their challenges, but with no luck. He complained that despite the athletes coming from government schools they are not given support. Moreover, Tebele said while government is encouraging sports development, there was no plan for people with disabilities. Tebele said the team has made its mark and it was time for the government to come on board.
The team head coach, Botshelo Mogotsi said the competition was tough, but they fought for a win. Swimming team won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Athletics team bagged two gold, five silver medals and four bronze. The women’s volleyball team brought home silver medals while their men counterparts also won silver. Dow agreed to meet the Special Olympics Committee and promised that their concerns would be attended to. She noted that the team’s participation at the competition has been a resounding success and that it was an improvement from the 14 medals that the team won at the same competition in 2011.
“For those who did not bring medals from the games, do not despair, remember that this is the beginning of your long sporting career. Furthermore, for there to be winners, there should be losers,” Dow said. She appreciated the work that has been done by teachers for interacting with athletes in various development stages.
The Chairman of Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng said sports couldn’t grow without the support of sponsors.
He said it was important for the private sector to always assist different sporting codes. He complimented the Ministry of Education and Skills Development for funding the BNSC Elite scholarship.
“Since its inception in 1997, 67 top athletes in the country have benefited. At the moment, we have 26 athletes under the scholarship in various institutions around the world. I have engaged with the minister to increase the slots from six to eight. The two slots reserved for people with disabilities,” said Reikeletseng.