Female-dominated team leaves for Youth Olympics

The Games, which will run from October 31 to November 13, mark the first time Africa will host the biennial competition. The team’s gender composition has been hailed as a reflection of progress towards gender balance in sport, with authorities calling for greater support and opportunities for girls to participate and excel. Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng, said the female majority reflects Botswana’s commitment to equal opportunities and youth empowerment. “I am particularly proud that four of our six athletes are young women,” he said at the team’s send-off in Gaborone yesterday.

“Having a female majority reflects Botswana’s commitment to advancing gender equity and equal opportunity in sport.” Kelebeng urged the athletes to represent the country with pride, saying their selection was earned through hard work and discipline. “Your participation is not a result of luck, but a product of your sweat, discipline, early mornings and relentless focus,” he said. For his part, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) chairperson, Tshepo Sitale said the team has been selected on merit, while highlighting measures aimed at addressing gender disparities in sport.