You can do it
President Dr Ian Khama has cautioned Team Botswana against doping tendencies ahead of the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Amidst international uproar and controversy over doping in the international sporting arena, Khama urged Olympics bound athletes to resist the temptation to use performance enhancing drugs, as this will tarnish the good name of the country. The President was addressing the Team Botswana sending off ceremony at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on Monday.
“You are going to Rio at a time when globally the world is riddled by reports of doping. Athletes who are sometimes assisted by coaches and other support personnel to enhance performance perpetrate this doping. That is cheating and we as Batswana abhor this and it cannot be tolerated. I appeal to all of you to play clean sport and preserve the good name of our country.” In addition, Khama advised athletes that government will not tolerate enhanced performance by local sports men and women. The President made it clear that athletes and officials who will intricate themselves in doping will be suspended accordingly. He said that athletes would not be suspended in a collective form.
“Our position as Government and indeed, Botswana sport is very clear and again, I wish to reiterate, we will not tolerate doping. We agree to the suspension of only those athletes, officials and anyone in authority who have been involved in doping not to ban all the country’s athletes, in the form of collective punishment.” Moreover Khama said cheating in sports is unfair, unjust, unethical and undemocratic as it violates the very principle of participation by world sportsmen and women.
“As you head to Rio, remember that the Olympic movement is premised on the values of excellence, friendship and respect. I will like to add that our very own values of Botho, which defines us as a people and sets us apart from other nations, is also key for you as our Ambassadors in this regard. I therefore call upon each one of you to live up to these values, give your best on the field of play, compete fairly and make friends while you are there.”
Khama also expressed his utmost confidence in local athletes and implored them to strive and compete to the best of their abilities as the hopes of 2million people lie with them. “The national flag affirms the country’s representation at Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The flag carries with it dreams and aspirations of Batswana, and we hope you will hoist it high in Brazil. We all have confidence in your ability to compete and be the very best you can be, we will support you all the way.”
“We will be watching you on television and when you step into the field, know that your parents, relatives and all Batswana are behind you.” Meanwhile Team Botswana is represented by strong athletes such as Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos, Lydia Jele, Christine Botlogetswe, Baboloki Thebe, Karabo Sibanda, Boitumelo Masilo, Onkabetse Nkobolo, Naomi Ruele, Kevin Bogopa and David van der Colff.
