Debswana bankrolls Under-21 netball team
Naledi Lemogang | Friday March 17, 2017 16:01
The sponsorship was launched yesterday in Gaborone where Debswana also revealed they will continue with their sponsorship for the development programme, Re Ba Bona Ha. Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng said Debswana’s sponsorship is a testimony that the private sector is heeding their call for partnership in the development of sports.
He said a sport is a million dollar industry and to reap rewards, all should join hands and encouraged other companies to consider sponsoring sports.
Olopeng said the sponsorship will go a long way in preparing the team for the world stage. He said the Re Ba Bona Ha development programme is an example of pursuit of excellence. Through this programme, many things have been achieved including the development of athletes from grassroots level. There is also an increase in participation of young boys and girls in sports competition, Olopeng said.
Botswana Netball Association president, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego told Mmegi Sport that they are grateful for the sponsorship. “This is the first biggest sponsorship of the team towards the preparations. We have some other sponsorships. We have a company that provides physiotherapy to the team while Botswana Defence Force has provided the team with trainers.
Former Botswana College of Agriculture provided us with a training venue and we also have the Botswana Olympic committee,” Sebego said. She said this is the right time for the sponsors to come forth and encouraged sponsors to come early for smooth preparations of the team. Meanwhile, Debswana has continued their sponsorship of the Re Ba Bona Ha programme.
This was the third contract extension by the company. Debswana managing director, Balisi Bonyongo said they have used over P5 million in the development programme so far.
“For the Botswana netball and the local organising committee we look forward to a superior display of talent and to a spectacular experience of our guests as we host them in July,” Bonyongo said.