Wagner was in the country to assess GIM in order for the event to be elevated to the Gold category. Serufho said it is clear that the World Athletics would like to elevate GIM from a Bronze Meet to Gold. “In the hierarchy of athletics, Gold Meet is second to a Diamond League. Currently Kenya is the only country in Africa with a Gold Meet so if the elevation was to happen, there will only be two countries in the continent for the category. It will be one of our proudest moment as a country if it was to happen,” he said. Serufho said as a Commission it is an articulate dream because it goes along with the BNSC Vision and the National Vision 2036, which talks about using sport to create employment and contribute to the economy. “This is one event that will put us on a high pedestal, where athletes will be seen in 150 countries, possibly be scouted by colleges and receive endorsements from companies.
Youngsters will also get a chance to see top athletes competing here,” he said. Serufho further said as the BNSC they are committing that they will do their part to ensure that the conditions that are required for the event to be upgraded to a Gold Meet are fulfilled. “The minister has also committed that the government will do everything possible to make sure that indeed we have a Gold status come 2023,” Serufho said. For his part, Wagner said Botswana is a stable country and that is one of the requirements that World Athletics is looking for. He said they were also impressed by the results from GIM2022, which was held on April 30 at the National Stadium. “It is now time to make sure that the requirements for a Gold Meet are fulfilled. I have been to many stadiums around the World and you have one of the best.
