Olympic preparations cost P33M
The Government of Botswana has spent P33.3million on Tokyo 2020 Olympic preparations over the last 3 years. This was revealed by the Minister of Sports, Tumiso Rakgare in Gaborone earlier this week. He was officiating
at the sending off ceremony for the Tokyo2020 Olympics bound, Team Botswana.
Addressing the ceremony, Rakgare said: “These funds covered athlete preparations; training and qualifying for the games, athlete welfare and other administrative costs associated with getting
the team ready for Tokyo.” The 14 strong Team Botswana left for Tokyo Japan earlier this week ahead of the international sporting showpiece scheduled for 23rd July until 8th August.
Rakgare further explained that an additional P7.5m will be spent on the team between now and the end of the Games.
“Government has been offering incentives and rewards to national team athletes in accordance with the provisions of the 2012 Incentives Package. The package outlines how much an athlete would get when they reach top 8 at the games, all the way up to winning Gold.”
In addition, the Minister said: “I am pleased to announce that we have re
solved as Government to reward each athlete a once off qualification of P25, 000.00. Coaches and their assistants will receive P10 000.00.”
According to Rakgare, these incentives are over and above the P8, 333.00 monthly allowances paid to athletes.
“I would therefore like to implore you to go to the games with the greatest focus and remember that you are a representative of yourself, your team, your family and indeed the entire nation of Botswana.”
Rakgare further implored Team Botswana to go out and leave an impression of people with high moral values.