Volume 52 Issue 6 - June 2014 : Sports
Botswana’s pluses surpass minuses
Author : Kutlwano
Malcom X once said, “If you have no critics you will likely have no success” and these words rang loud on the ears of the African Youth Games organising committee. While uncertainty nearlly marred preparations for the games, the committee held its head high to silence the doubting Thomases by putting up a magnificent event.
Batswana and visiting officials alike were quick to appreciate the organisers. To the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) secretary general, Botswana has proved her mettle in hosting a successful event despite limited preparation time. Even though the games are held every four years, the continental body took long to process the documents before handing over the hosting baton to Botswana. Thomas Sithole says it is irrefutable that the games were a success given the number of attendees hence Botswana deserves a plus.
“The bigger the attendees the bigger the challenges but I feel Botswana has done her homework and lived beyond expectations,” reckons Sithole. To him, Botswana outclassed the first host, who were still finding their feet. The secretary general says before, Africa did not have a converging platform hence the youth games help the youth to create and exploit their own talents prior to the Olympic Games. He says they desire the same for the All Africa Games (AAG).
The games are an opportunity to unveil fresh talent. The ANOCA official reckons the games are not only about breaking records or bagging medals but bringing Africans together and instilling the pride of being African.
Regarding sport disciplines that attracted few participants such as canoeing and rowing, Sithole says such is normal. Even at international meets such as the Olympics or multisport events this is also the case, he adds.
He says boxing and athletics are dominant codes in Africa. “The fact that we are having them is encouraging. In the past we cancelled diving during the AAG because only three countries registered. Now it is evident that there is an attempt,” adds Sithole. The first youth games held in Morocco in 2010 saw 16 sports codes and about 1 000 athletes participating.
The upbeat sports official says the development of sport codes purely depends on each country. The issue of resources also comes into play as countries determine where to place what they have. Their desire is to see African athletes spreading their wings to other codes.
Sithole defines sport as a catalyst for camaraderie, a vehicle for change and a medium in creating awareness on doping and HIV/AIDS issues. “Sport creates a platform for teaching the youngsters about life, need for clean life, understanding and appreciation of other cultures.”
His desire is for Algeria to learn from the previous hosts, a tactic that most Olympic hosts apply.
“Botswana has set a record that Algeria will have to start working on now if they are to break it. The number of accommodation, volunteers and transport was amazing, I am really proud!” ENDS