P400K injection bolsters BISA

Local retail company JB Sports has sponsored Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) with sporting equipment worth P400 000. The sponsorship was launched in Gaborone this past Tuesday. Speaking at the launch, JB Sports Chief Executive Officer, Rajesh Nair said the sponsorship is for a period spanning 12 months and they will consider renewing it next year. Nair said JB Sports is committed to developing sport in Botswana especially from grassroots level. From the sponsorship, he noted that P 250 000 will be dedicated to Zonal events. “My hope is that BISA events in 2018 will be a success and we will continue assisting whenever possible,” he said. The retail chain store company has previously partnered with Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and its affiliates, one of them being Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF). Nair said they want to align with the BISA vision of unearthing talent from schools. For his part, BISA president Joshua Gaotlhobogwe said they intend to work hand in hand with JB Sports to push the BISA mandate forward. He said they are grateful for government funding, however it has remained a challenge for BISA to fully roll out its plans for secondary school sports development. Gaotlhobogwe revealed that BISA needs a budget of nearly 10 million annually, but only receive P1 million from the Ministry of Education. In addition, Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) assists with P400 000, with that, they are forced to cut down on their plans in order to fit activities within the budget. Gaotlhobogwe explained that BISA organises national competitions for 12 different codes and also participates in regional and international events. “We always have to go back and request for more in order to cover all our activities. Even though we have managed to successfully host some events, the signs are for all to see that soon we will be unable to continue with the trends. The ministry appears to be experiencing challenges hence we need partners like JB Sports,” Gaotlhobogwe said. Furthermore, the BISA President pleaded with the private sector to continue supporting local sport saying the contribution relieves the government the huge burden of mothering all sporting associations. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Simon Coles said sport plays a significant role in developing not only athletes but the country as well. He said the financial struggle cuts across all codes, however the government has limited resources and is often unable to offer the desired support. “We know that we always receive the lion’s share from government, however we are also the biggest employer. About 80 percent of the finance goes to remuneration and salaries,” Coles said.