Karate gets P810,000 for dojo expansion
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday March 1, 2018 11:42
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Karate gets P810,000 for dojo expansion
CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Staff Writer
Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has received a massive $84,969 (P810,000) cash injection from the Japanese Embassy for the extension of the karate dojo.
Speaking during the signing ceremony this morning, Japan Embassy ambassador, Kozo Takeda said the assistance came through the Japanese government’s grant scheme, Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots projects.
“The grant assistance is also part of the ‘Sport for tomorrow’, which is an international contribution through sport initiative led by the Japanese government. The initiative aims to spread the value of sport and to promote the Olympic and Paralympics movement worldwide, leading to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games in Tokyo,” he said.
The existing karate dojo was established through the same grant scheme and it officially opened in 2011. Takeda noted that karate is getting popular in Botswana than the time when the dojo was constructed. Therefore, the current facility is not sufficient for training and tournaments.
“Karate is part of the Olympics and Botswana has an opportunity to qualify. It is my hope that the dojo provides a good environment to prepare for Olympic qualification,” Takeda said.
BOKA president, Tshepho Bathai said phase one of the dojo was sponsored by the Japanese government in 2009, which cost US$87,361.00 (P833, 597.850).
He said the dojo has assisted in training local and international champions.
“It is through the existing dojo that we became Africa kata champions last year. We host national tournaments, referees and coaches’ courses in the same facility. It has not been enough to hold sessions that require large numbers,” he said.
Bathai said the expanded dojo would be able to have four tatami rings. He said in May they are hosting an event, which would attract 80 karatekas. He said the phase two project includes offices and boardrooms.
“The facility would create space for athletes and coaches to train more. It would also remind us of the collective efforts between the two nations,” Bathai said.
He said the funds would be managed well and upon the completion of the project, the account will be audited.
Meanwhile, chief instructors' representative, Ookeditse Malesu said the code that can bring better results from the Olympics is karate and it should get all the assistance it needs.
Speaking during the signing ceremony this morning, Japan Embassy ambassador, Kozo Takeda said the assistance came through the Japanese government’s grant scheme, Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots projects.
“The grant assistance is also part of the ‘Sport for tomorrow’, which is an international contribution through sport initiative led by the Japanese government. The initiative aims to spread the value of sport and to promote the Olympic and Paralympics movement worldwide, leading to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games in Tokyo,” he said.
The existing karate dojo was established through the same grant scheme and it officially opened in 2011.
Takeda noted that karate is getting popular in Botswana than the time when the dojo was constructed. Therefore, the current facility is not sufficient for training and tournaments.
“Karate is part of the Olympics and Botswana has an opportunity to qualify. It is my hope that the dojo provides a good environment to prepare for Olympic qualification,” Takeda said.BOKA president, Tshepho Bathai said phase one of the dojo was sponsored by the Japanese government in 2009, which cost US$87,361.00 (P833, 597.850).
He said the dojo has assisted in training local and international champions.
“It is through the existing dojo that we became Africa kata champions last year. We host national tournaments, referees and coaches’ courses in the same facility. It has not been enough to hold sessions that require large numbers,” he said.
Bathai said the expanded dojo would be able to have four tatami rings. He said in May they are hosting an event, which would attract 80 karatekas.
He said the phase two project includes offices and boardrooms.
“The facility would create space for athletes and coaches to train more. It would also remind us of the collective efforts between the two nations,” Bathai said.
He said the funds would be managed well and upon the completion of the project, the account will be audited.
Meanwhile, chief instructors' representative, Ookeditse Malesu said the code that can bring better results from the Olympics is karate and it should get all the assistance it needs.