Speaking at the occasion, Botswana Post Deputy Marketing Manager, Comfort Maruping said they have discovered karate is one of the best run sports in the country and that is why the sponsors did not hesitate when approached by BOKA for sponsorship. "Karate has blended well with other styles like Kofukan, Shukokai, Shotokan, Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu and Kase-ha Shotokan as well as international critical links like Union of African Karate and World Karate Federation," he said. He revealed that the sponsorship as agreed with BOKA will finance annual awards, training, development and competitions. It will also help to fund the enhancement of administrative capabilities. Maruping stated that through the sponsorship, Western Union intends to boost its efforts in becoming a truly customer focused organisation, relentlessly focusing on building long-term relationships with customers. He urged government and civic authorities to develop non-football sporting facilities. "I was touched when an unsuitable hall (Gaborone West Community Hall) was used for national competitions. Ventilation was very poor. I call for the construction of sports halls in the same manner we are constructing track sports and football facilities," he said.
Meanwhile, during the awards ceremony, Thato Malunga scooped two honours. Her 11 gold medals and silver in local championships; silver in individual kata and one silver in individual kumite at the World Cup; one gold in individual kumite and one silver in individual kata at Zone VI earned her junior female karateka of the year and the sports person of the year awards.
