COOKING THE LETSILES
P9million splashed towards unearthing athletics talent
Sun Sparkle: How has the P9 million sponsorship from Debswana impacted the overall operations and development of the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) over the past three years?
Oabona Theetso: It has greatly benefited us. With this sponsorship, we’ve been able to host all our local races, including national championships with monetary prizes. Additionally, we’ve facilitated teams’ participation in international competitions.
Sun Sparkle: Can you provide specific examples of how the sponsorship funds have been utilized within the BAA for sports development, athlete management, and resource acquisition?
Oabona Theetso: The sponsorship has enabled athletes to compete locally and internationally, enhancing their competitiveness and exposure.
Sun Sparkle: Has the sponsorship allowed for the enhancement of infrastructure or facilities within the BAA to support athlete training and development?
Oabona Theetso: The sponsorship
This week, Sun Sparkle engages with Oabona Theetso, Vice President of the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), to discuss their current sponsorship deal of P9 million from Debswana, set to conclude at the end of this year. The seven figure sponsorship has gone a long way in discovering rare track and field gems that are currently dominating the racing tracks across the world, among them sprint sensation Tebogo Letsile. Here is how the conversation went:
is primarily focused on athlete development.
Sun Sparkle: What measurable outcomes or achievements can be attributed to the Debswana sponsorship in terms of athlete performance, participation rates, or community engagement?
Oabona Theetso: Athletes have been rewarded for their performances at national championships, and the financial assistance from Debswana has ensured our participation in all competitions, especially international ones.
Sun Sparkle: How has the partnership with Debswana contributed to the overall mission of uplifting lives and supporting Botswana’s Vision 2036 through athletics?
Oabona Theetso: Increased participation in athletics and the prize money won by athletes
have positively impacted families.
Sun Sparkle: As the current sponsorship agreement is set to conclude this year, what are the plans or discussions regarding the continuation of this partnership into the future?
Oabona Theetso: Discussions regarding the renewal or continuation of the sponsorship are ongoing.
Sun Sparkle: Are there any specific challenges or successes encountered throughout the duration of the sponsorship that you would like to highlight?
Oabona Theetso: None at all.
Sun Sparkle: Lastly, how has the sponsorship from Debswana contributed to the emergence of rising stars within Botswana athletics, and what plans are in place to sustain this momentum beyond the conclusion of the current sponsorship period?
Oabona Theetso: The Debswana sponsorship has attracted more athletes, primarily due to the prize money offered. We intend to maintain this momentum through future initiatives.