Lobatse Sports Awards launched
Lobatse Town Mayor, Aron Ganakgomo officially launched the Lobatse Sports & Arts Awards on October 7, 2025, describing the event as a “historic milestone” for the town and its surrounding constituency.
Held at the Lobatse, the launch drew distinguished guests, members of the sporting and arts communities and local residents, all eager to witness the birth of what promises to be an annual celebration of homegrown talent.
The mayor’s address underscored the awards’ role in elevating Lobatse’s profile on the national stage.
“Today marks a historic milestone for our beloved town and indeed for the entire Lobatse Constituency,” Ganakgomo declared. He emphasized that the initiative is more than a mere celebration, it’s a statement that affirms Lobatse as a burgeoning hub of talent, creativity, and excellence.
The sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have long advocated for greater recognition of local athletes and artists who often toil in obscurity.
The timing of the launch added a layer of symbolic significance. It follows closely on the heels of the Return of School Sport and Arts in Government Schools, an initiative unveiled at the same venue on August 7, 2025. Ganakgomo playfully noted the recurring theme of the number seven, quipping, “What an interesting coincidence, it’s all about the number seven!” He portrayed this alignment as a sign of renewal and fresh beginnings for sports and arts in the community, signaling a concerted effort to revitalize these sectors at the grassroots level.
At its core, the Lobatse Sports & Arts Awards is a grassroots endeavor, conceived by the residents of Lobatse themselves.
Its origins is the collective realization that the town harbors numerous dedicated athletes and artists whose efforts deserve acclaim, even if they have not yet broken into national platforms like the Botswana Sports Awards.
“It was born out of the recognition that we have among us countless athletes and artists whose dedication, sacrifice, and hard work often go unnoticed simply because they have not yet reached the national spotlight,” Ganakgomo explained.
The awards are designed to fulfill a dual mission: honoring outstanding performers while inspiring and empowering emerging talents across Lobatse and its environs.
This approach aims to foster a culture of excellence and motivation, particularly among the youth. As the town’s leadership, Ganakgomo pledged unwavering support, committing to
collaborate closely with the organizers to guarantee the event’s success.
“As the Town Leadership, we fully support this noble initiative and commit to working hand in hand with the organisers to ensure its success,” he affirmed.
However, the mayor was quick to stress that the awards’ longevity depends on broader involvement. In a direct appeal to the business community, he urged corporate entities to step forward with sponsorships and partnerships. “I therefore call upon the business community to come on board and assist through sponsorships and partnerships. Let us invest in our own, in the youth, in our creatives, and in our sportspeople,” Ganakgomo implored.
He envisioned the awards evolving into more than an annual event, an enduring symbol of community pride and development that could unite stakeholders in a shared vision for
Lobatse’s future.
Beyond immediate recognition, the mayor outlined the awards’ potential to reshape Lobatse’s economic landscape. By positioning the town as a prime venue for sporting, cultural, and entertainment gatherings, the initiative aligns with the government’s MICE Strategy: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.
This national policy seeks to diversify Botswana’s economy, enhance tourism, and draw investments. Ganakgomo suggested that events like these could transform Lobatse into a sought-after destination, injecting vitality into local businesses and creating opportunities for job growth. “Events like the Lobatse Sports & Arts Awards have the potential to brand our town as a prime destination for hosting sporting, cultural, and entertainment events,” he noted.
Details of the upcoming main ceremony were also shared during the launch. Scheduled for December 13, 2025, right in Lobatse, the event will encompass various categories and the public will be invited to vote for their favourite athletes and artists, promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.