Thamaga Hosts Third Charity soccer Tournament

By Mosah Mokganedi
Correspondent | Monday December 15, 2008 00:00

 

The tournament is the brainchild of two presenters from local radio stations who hail from the village. Chillyboy Rakgare of Yarona FM and Radio Botswana's Tiro Lepotokise have joined hands in an effort to give and improve the lives of the people of their village.
The three-day tournament will run from December 25-28.

The proceeds will be donated to charity. The competition was first held in 2006 with a sponsorship of only P6,000.

This year, it has received massive support from a number of local companies and the Chinese Embassy. Speaking at the sponsorships' launch last Friday, Rakgare said while the tournament is meant to raise funds for charity, it will also give participating clubs a chance to enjoy themselves.

He said they feel that football offers one way in which they can give back to the community because the sport is understood better by many people.
Rakgare said it was not easy to get sponsorship and now they are happy that they finally achieved their goal.

In the past, proceeds from the event were used to refurbish a house for a destitute in Thamaga and to buy presents and refreshments for patients at the Thamaga Hospital.
 One of the sponsors, Obert Pelotshweu of Pro-Guards Security Services said they took pride in giving to a noble cause because they believe in the saying that 'blessed is the hand that gives for it shall receive in abundance'.

He believes that the money they contributed in the tournament will change the lives of the less privileged in Thamaga. Pelotshweu encouraged the organisers to continue with the good work and spread the idea to other areas. He encouraged other business organisations to associate with selfless people like Rakgare and Lepotokise in helping the needy.

The launch was attended by Thamaga MP and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Gladys Kokorwe who also gave the two organisers a pat on the back.

The delighted Kokorwe said the two young journalists have proved to be true leaders.
She said it is never an easy thing to get financial support and getting sponsors for the event saying the two have determination. 'Thank you very much for being beggars for a good course,' she said.