Government Pledges Continued Support for Olympic Athletes at Paris Games

The government will support athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but emphasised the need for the private sector to lend a helping hand in achieving this endeavour.

The 2024 Summer Olympics is an upcoming international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from July 26 to mid-August in Paris, France. Botswana athletes left this week for Paris.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony in Gaborone, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare emphasised the government’s dedication to ensuring that Botswana’s elite athletes have enough support to compete on par with the world’s best, despite facing complex constraints and competing priorities.

“It is indeed the government’s duty to ensure that elite athletes are able to compete on par with athletes from all four corners of the world,” Rakgare stated. 

“We face complex constraints ourselves, with competing priorities that are equally important.”

Rakgare highlighted the importance of private-sector partnerships in supporting the government’s mandate and achieving national pride. He called for more collaborations between public and private sectors, noting their potential to transform Botswana’s economy and elevate the country as a leader in Africa.

“It is on this backdrop that we urge all companies across Botswana to emulate the example set by sponsors for our Team Botswana athletes, as we look to the future,” Rakgare said. 

“Congratulations to Team Botswana. In becoming Team Botswana athletes, representing us at Paris 2024, you have all become members of an elite club, which isn’t accessible to many. Whatever happens from July 26th, know that you have the full support of the nation rallying behind you.”

Rakgare encouraged the athletes to stand firm in the knowledge that the entire nation supports them. “Every time you set foot on that track or in that pool, you are making the country proud,” he said. “We are honored to have you all representing Botswana. Go out there and do your thing.”

The minister also reminded the athletes of a promise: “I hope you haven’t forgotten our deal. The houses are ready for you to bring those medals home.” He announced that each athlete received P30,000 before departing for Paris and noted that their daily and incentive rates had been increased.

Rakgare pointed out that preparing a team for the Olympic Games is a long-term endeavor. “The journey towards preparing a team to represent Botswana at the Olympic Games did not begin yesterday,” he said. “In our quest to remain forward-thinking and pivot towards investing in industries that previously may not have received as much attention, the government has been intentional in its dedication towards sport.”

He acknowledged that considerable resources are required to cultivate elite athletes capable of competing on the international stage. “Our efforts are but a drop in the ocean. It takes an army of individuals working in tandem to ensure that our athletes reach this elite level,” Rakgare explained.

Additionally, Rakgare announced that the government is developing the Sport and Creative Sector Strategy. This strategy aims to create a self-sustaining sports industry that produces globally competitive athletes. “This strategy is intended to be the framework through which we will achieve the self-sustaining sports industry that produces globally competitive sportspersons,” he said.

Rakgare also praised the sports leadership for their role in identifying and nurturing talent. “We must hasten to applaud the sports leadership on a job well done in identifying and nurturing the talent that resulted in this team before us today,” he said. “We would be remiss if we did not mention the support of all those who have come aboard as sponsors, investing in the team and its pursuit of excellence.”

Botswana will be represented by Maxine Egner and Adrian Robinson in swimming. In athletics, Botswana will be represented by Victor Ntweng, Oratile Nowe, Tumo Nkape, Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, Collen Kebinatshipi, Tshepiso Masalela, and Kethobogile Haingura. Additionally, Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team has also qualified.