Intervarsity Games return to UB
Preparations for the next Intervarsity Games scheduled for the University of Botswana (UB) are at an advanced stage. UB is expected to host the University of Swaziland and the University of Lesotho for the popular University games from the 18th until 23rd March.
Speaking during a recent press conference in Gaborone, the Director of Sports and Culture at the University of Botswana Raj Rathedi highlighted the readiness of UB to host the games. “We are more than prepared for the games, we have had enough time to prepare and now we are ready to host a successful Intervarsity games.”
Moreover, Rathedi emphasized the need to grow the games in leaps and bounds. “We have intentions to grow the games and ensure that they are not just known to the UB community only but to the nation at large. The public should expect better branding and advertising of the event to be on another level this year.”
Over the years, the games have unearthed credible young talent including 400m runner Lydia Jele, BNSC Sports Person of the year Sensei Ofentse Bakwadi, Onkemetse Francis, Marline Manthe, hall of fame Francis Mabiletsa and athletics coach Justice Dipeba among others.
In a recent interview, the UB Student Representative Council (SRC) President Oteng Eleck said the games are not only for refining and cultivating the area of sports amongst tertiary students, “these games also gives us a platform to intermingle with our fellow students from other countries where ideas, innovation and cultural exchange can occur.”
Furthermore, Eleck said the games will be used as a window of opportunities for students to utilise the market the institution. “We have set all necessary measures to ensure safety to all those coming to the games and we invite the public to come in numbers and support us.”
“There is a security subcommittee that is in partnership with the local Police to provide safety and security during the games.”