Olopeng signs AUSC games agreement
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday February 23, 2017 17:14
The agreement was signed between Botswana, through Olopeng and AUSC Region V chairman Dr Vetumbuavi Veii on behalf of their respective organisations in Gaborone.
The signing of the agreement paves way for preparations for eighth edition of the biennial games that are held in all the AUSC Region V member countries on a rotational basis in alphabetic order. The last games were held in Luanda, Angola in December 2016.
Speaking at the ceremony, AUSC Region V chief executive officer (CEO), Stanley Mutoya said one of the primary mandates of the AUSC Region V is to encourage, coordinate and promote the development of all forms of sport in the region. He said the games have left notable legacies in the seven member states that have hosted the past editions, most notably in the development of sports infrastructure and human capital.
“We are very excited that Botswana has committed to hosting the 2018 games. Given the country’s track record and recent history in successful hosting of international events, we have no doubt that this country will put its best foot forward and stage the best games ever,” said Mutoya.
He said there are four preparation phases for the games that will guide the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other stakeholders in focusing their attention and concentration. Mutoya said phase one of the preparations which is between March and June, the region will be assessing Botswana’s capacity to host the games. The assessment will be based on competition facilities, games and technical villages, establishment of LOC and provision of both capital and operational budgets. Phase two (between July and December) will focus on the country’s ability to provide games support services.
“The assessment will include amongst others, development of general rules, selection of sporting codes, training facilities, accreditation system, games marks and symbols as well as legal and financial systems. The third phase which starts in January until July, will focus on the ability of the country staging safe and secure games. Assessment during phase three will deal with health, medical services and anti-doping systems, equipment, volunteers, competition schedules, transport and immigration procedures,” Mutoya said. The final phase, which starts in July until December, focuses on Botswana’s ability to stage exceptional games during which focus will be on ceremonies, entertainment, broadcasting, marketing and games’ legacy.
For his part, Region V chairperson, Veii urged all parties involved and the entire country at large to work in earnest like a ‘well-oiled machine’ to ensure that Botswana hosts memorable games. Veii expressed confidence that Botswana will pull all stops to ensure systems are put in place and that budget will be allocated for the successful organisation of the games.
Olopeng emphasised Botswana’s commitment to the success of the games. He stated that Botswana will draw inspiration from its past experience in hosting similar international tournaments to stage a memorable edition of the games.
“I am grateful to my government for committing to host these games and approving the budget for the successful hosting of the games,” Olopeng said.
The Minister said the games will be held in Gaborone, which is why they decided to use the hosting of the 2017 Botswana Games as a dress rehearsal to the 2018 Region V games.
The Region V member states are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.