BTA seeks corporate partners
Despite facing sponsorship challenges, the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) remains undeterred in its commitment to hosting world-class events. Recently, they successfully hosted the International Tennis Federation (ITF) world j100 tournament and have just commenced the j60 in Gaborone world tennis tour junior’s event.
The association’s dedication to providing top-notch tennis action is evident, with several international tournaments lined up for September.
To ensure sustainability, the association is actively seeking corporate partnerships, exploring ways to transform their courts into dynamic advertising spaces.
According to Oaitse Thipe, President of the BTA, efforts are being made to secure naming rights for the national tennis centre. The association is on the lookout for a corporate partner to advertise at their facilities, recognizing the heavy costs associated with hosting prestigious international tennis tournaments.
Thipe emphasized that such partnerships are essential for sustaining the quality of these events, particularly the ITF tournaments.
“Attracting sponsors and securing naming rights for our stadium courts remain our biggest hurdles, as we enter the decisive phase of the ITF J60, we’re pulling out all the stops to draw more fans to support our young players. Corporate partnerships and naming rights deals are crucial to the sustainability of these tournaments, and we’re committed to making it happen,” he stated.
Thipe emphasized that hosting these events not only benefits tennis, but also contributes to the broader economy. He stated that the upcoming J60 and J100 tournaments, scheduled during the independence holidays, provide an excellent opportunity for corporate partners to gain exposure and tap into the captive audience. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“Off the courts, the economic impact is undeniable, hotels, restaurants, and transport services all reap the benefits, and the growth of tennis in Botswana is unparalleled. The ITF tournaments have expanded participation to previously untapped places like Tswapong and Serowe, and we now see kids from these areas taking part in the ITF circuit. It’s truly remarkable to witness,” Thipe explained.
Meanwhile, the BTA is pushing ahead with the Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI), a global development program supported by the ITF. The JTI offers kids around the world their first taste of tennis, encouraging participation in locally organized competitions, school programs, and community events. It’s the starting point for many aspiring competitive players and serves as a pathway for discovering new talent within a country’s national development program.
Furthermore, In a stellar performance, top-seed Denzel Seetso clinched his fourth title of the year, propelling him to No. 128 in the WTT Junior ranking at J100 Harare, capping off a remarkable week of competition. Elsewhere on the courts, Mark Nawa and partner Benjamin Mann snatched up the boys doubles title at the J30 Gaborone World Tennis Tour Juniors, marking another impressive feat in this thrilling week of tennis.
For the ongoing J60 tournament, participating countries are Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, DRC, Canada, Great Britain, India, Poland, Italy, Israel at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone.