Championships organisers turn to govt to raise P11million

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Wednesday November 3, 2010 00:00

 

LOC chairperson Solly Reikeletseng said the committee is looking to raise P2 million while a request for P6 million has been sent to the government.

Reikeletseng told a media conference in Gaborone on Monday that the committee is optimistic the required amount will be raised for the athletics competition that will take place next May.

Reikeletseng said they have identified a potential sponsor who is willing to commit a substantial amount. Three more sponsorship deals are expected to be sealed in the near future, Reikeletseng added.

Meanwhile, Reikeletseng said preparations for the event are progressing well. Two venues have been identified for the competition that will draw athletes from 52 countries. The National Stadium will be used as the competition venue while the UB stadium will be reserved for training. Although the National Stadium renovations are incomplete, Reikeletseng is confident that the arena will be ready by the time of the competition.

He would not say what would happen in case the renovations were incomplete by May 2011. 'We will cross that bridge when we get there,' he said. Reikeletseng said their intention is to capture the interest of the public through the media. To this effect, the LOC will run a one-day media workshop on November 13.

The committee also hopes to hire a  secretary who will perform duties of a chief executive officer (CEO). Reikeletseng said they expect the competition to be broadcast by about 150 television stations around Africa. Reikeletseng said they aspire to stage a memorable event considering that it will mark the 10th anniversary of the competition.

The junior championships will run from May 12-15 with 1, 000 athletes participating. The competition is for athletes born between 1992 and 1994. However, those born in 1994 will only be allowed to take part in two individual events and one relay team race.