The youngster recently received $1, 250 (approximately P17, 000) from the Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Youth Grant. This comes as a result of his remarkable talent and consistent performance in the sport in local, regional, and continental competitions. The grant is specifically intended to cover costs related to the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Series and other approved events of choice for a period of one year and for only one particular tournament of choice. With the ITTF hosting at least four junior tournaments per month globally, Lekorwe is spoilt for choice. However, the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) has said they are to select a tournament in an effort to avoid a clash with the youngster’s school commitments. “He will only choose one that he will participate in. We have not yet made a decision at which one it will be. We are still looking at dates best suited for him looking at his school calendar. The sponsorship is valid for one year,” the BTTA public relations officer, Tshegofatso Malepa, told MmegiSport this week.
The ATTF Youth Grant is designed to support emerging players across the continent by easing the financial burden associated with participating in high-level international competitions and training programmes. It targets athletes who have demonstrated great potential and a commitment to excellence in table tennis. “The support will go towards official hospitality packages at competitions and/or international training camps. This initiative is crucial in helping our athletes access world-class training environments and compete at the highest levels,” said BTTA president, Kudzanani Motswagole, in a statement.
