Wheelchair basketball tourney for Gabs

The Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) Disability Committee in conjunction with the University of Botswana will on the 25th November host the 2017 Malebogo “Max” wheelchair basketball tournament at the University of Botswana Basketball Courts. The wheel chair basketball tournament aims at raising awareness on Gender Based Violence during the commemorative 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence on Women and Children.

The participating teams are Diamond Wheelers Basketball team and South East District Disability Sports Association, the sponsors and the media team. The games are expected to start from 4pm until 9pm. During a media briefing held in Gaborone yesterday, Malebogo Molefhe said as a victim of Gender based violence, they want to use basketball as a tool for raising awareness on issues of domestic violence in the country. Molefhe who escaped death in 2009 after her boyfriend shot her 8 times said she was once a national basketball player, however since her tragic incident, she has been using a wheelchair due to her spinal cord injuries.

Through the tournament, she is determined to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children in Botswana by spreading the message through sport. The tournament will also strive to encourage active participation in sports for students and communities including those living with disabilities. “Wheelchair Basketball is not visible in Botswana and it is our hope that this tournament will expose it to the community and inspire other people with disabilities to engage in sports,” she said. On behalf of the BBA Disability Committee, the chairperson, Lesley Baleseng said there will be stalls at the courts from 1600hrs where people will get to interact with one another, get advice and share experiences on how to do away with issues of gender based violence on women and children.

Baleseng said there will be sign language interpretations for deaf people on the day saying they take pride in hosting sports events that empower people living with disabilities. He pleaded with the community to support the event in large numbers. “We need the community to support those living with disabilities rather them discriminating and isolating them, if we do that then we are off to good beginnings,” he said.