BAA calls for enlarged national team camp
Following the lifting of their ban, the Botswana Athletics Association ( BAA) has emphasised the need to increase the number of athletes in camp. The ban, which was imposed on BAA by the Botswana National Sport Commission ( BNSC) in February was lifted with effect from 15th March 2021.
This came after continuous engagements between BAA and BNSC in discussing the drafted Competition Guidelines. According to a recent statement from the BAAs the lifting of the ban only allows BAA to host National Team activities until the 31st March 2021.
In an interview this week, BAA Vice President Administration, Theetso Oabona said since the BAA is organizing the events, they are going to lobby the BNOC so that they have a larger camp and more athletes participating.
He added that those who do not make part of the national team will not be allowed to participate at the events hosted by the BAA, but rather only those who are in camp will be allowed at the events.
With many athletes who are not in camp having shown potential of qualifying, Theetso said there is a need to enlarge the national team as this will increase the number of participants at their events and also increase the number of athletes who are likely to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
The team has left for Johannesburg, South Africa to attend competitions
organized by Athletics South Africa ( ASA) in a mission to qualify more athletes to the Olympic Games.
The team left on Sunday, 21st March 2021 and is expected back on Wednesday, 31st March 2021.
While in South Africa, the team is scheduled to attend several competitions, including the Ruimsig and Boksburg Relays.