The BAA says that it has continued to improve in its development programmes and that is why it has found it fit to reward deserving athletes and officials. BAA spokesperson Glody Dube said the rewards will motivate athletes to work even more harder. He said gone are the days when sports operated on a volunteer basis and it is time to reap what athletes and officials have sown. There will be 14 award categories - including two for media and one for an individual or company that contributed immensely to athletics development.
A tough battle is expected between All Africa Games (AAG) high jump gold medallist Kabelo Kgosiemeng, long jumper Gable Garenamotse and runner California Molefhe in the best male category. Best female category pits AAG gold medallist Amantle Montsho, Khumoetsile Ngope and Zone VI 100m and 200m winner Seonyatseng Ntlhomphe. Pako Seribe, Funel Kenosi and Thapelo Kolagano lock horns in the best junior category while Khumoetsile Ngope, Kgalalelo Sefu and the 2006 Botswana National Sports Council award winner Amuchilani Tumelo slug it out in the junior female category. Zambia Champi competes with Moses Isaiah and Mbise in the coach of the year section.
Other categories: Most dedicated athlete (Brian Mosweu, Mompati Ngwako and Steve Odisitse) Club of the year (Gaborone Runners, Lefika Athletics and Selebi-Phikwe)
Sports person of the year (Kgosiemang, Montsho and Garenamotse)
Dube said with funds permitting, they are looking at making the awards an annual event.
