GIM targets Diamond League stature
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 2, 2017 16:17
Speaking at the launch of the LOC yesterday, Sports View Runners Club patron, Moisiraela Goya said the idea is for the two bodies to enlist the GIM in their official calendars. He said the dream is also to have the event held as an IAAF Diamond League.
“The enlisting has been done through Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). That would give Batswana competition that they have only seen on television from abroad,” he said.
Goya said the launch of the LOC was an improvement from the GIM2017 edition, which was done a few weeks before the event. He said the new LOC is being launched eight months before the event. The 2018 event will be held on April 28 at the National Stadium. He said the intention of the organisers is to engage a long term LOC to avoid stop-start mentality which delays progress.
Goya said the first edition of the meet saw the participation of international runners such as Zambia’s fastest runner, Sydney Siame and Lesotho 100m national record holder, Mosito Lehata. Local track stars Nijel Amos, Lydia Jele and Amantle Montsho also competed at the 2017 edition. Other athletes who came for competition were from Namibia, Maldives, South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Goya said the meet through the BAA, invites international athletes for the upcoming competition.
He called upon the business and corporate community to come onboard to boost their business objectives.
For his part, Gaborone mayor, Kagiso Thutwe said events such as GIM bring shine to the city. He said various stakeholders benefit from hosting such events. He said as the local authority, they must make sure that Gaborone is in good condition.
GIM organiser, Glody Dube said his expectation is for the LOC to host a successful event because of the potential they have. He said the LOC is made up of individuals with powerful background in sport administration and organising.
The LOC: Chairperson, Barulaganyi Mogotsi, Kitso Kemoeng (general manager), Mpiwa Bosenogile (finance), George Mokone (sport science), Keenese Katisenge (marketing), Wedu Motswetla (operations), Bobby Gaseitsiwe (technical) and Calistus Kolantsho (publicity).