Goulden leads GIM

Former softball player and Debswana Mining Company Corporate Affairs Manager, Naledi Dikgomo- Goulden has taken over as the new Gaborone International Meet (GIM) Local Organising Committee Chairperson. Goulden and her team were unveiled this past Tuesday in Gaborone. At the LOC launch, Goulden told this publication that they have already begun preparations for the 2019 GIM event. The intention, she said is to ensure that they bring out a bigger and exciting event, “We have already strategized on how best to prepare for next year. We anticipate the GIM to grow from strength to strength annually and we can only achieve that if we start spreading our wings as early as now,” she said. The optimistic Goulden noted that she is not intimidated by the fact that she is succeeding a male figure, the former chairman, Barulaganye Mogotsi. “I do not see myself as a woman because I know that I am equally capable of leading my team and achieving the desired results,” Goulden assured.During her term as the GIM boss for the next 12 months, her area of focus will be to ensure that they sell the event both locally and across borders. She noted that 2018 event was blessed with the presence of a few international athletes and they will have to double their efforts next year. Still at the event, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYESCD) Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo said that they remain committed to assisting any entity that aims to develop sports locally. He said such initiatives add to the success stories of Botswana sports. He applauded the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) for their unwavering support towards the GIM, saying it is only through their support that local stars such as 800m runner Nigel Amos and Christene Botlogetswe of 400m continue to blossom at international level. The 2019 GIM LOC also has Keenese Katisenge as head of Marketing, Bosenogile Mpiwa is in charge of finance and George Mokone Medical. Tshepo Kelaotswe for technical matters, Tshepang Othusitse heading operations while Calistus Kolantsho is the GIM spokesperson. Kitso Kemoeng adds to the list as the General Manager and Gabriel Ngele leading the project management & risk control area.