SAPOA games start today

BotswanaPost will host the 2016 Southern Africa Postal Operators Association (SAPOA) Games at Molepolole Sports Stadium from 26th - 28th October.Addressing the media in Gaborone on Wednesday, BotswanaPost Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cornelius Ramatlhakwane said the games are meant to foster the spirit of unity amongst the staff of various postal operators in the SADC region.

Ramatlhakwane said as postal operators, they are mandated to deliver services to the community regardless of their location hence the need for a healthy and active staff. He said the event generated revenue for hosting countries and contributes immensely to the economy from a tourism perspective.“Botswana will be showcasing its opportunities and heritage activities to the participating countries and there will also be cultural exchange,” he stated.

Ramatlhakwane said the games would be used to showcase the development of sport in Botswana as well as show other countries how unified Botswana tribes are.   

Ramatlhakwane said BotswanaPost plays an integral part of society in the country, adding that the intention is to give back to the community. Moreover, he noted that some of the players from Botswana were identified through the ‘Re Ba Bona Ha programme’ “We want to engage youngsters and motivate them to participate in sport.”  

Countries which will be taking part in the games are Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. South Africa is said to have pulled out following unforeseen circumstances. Sport codes represented at the tournament include Football, Netball, Volleyball and Athletics. There will also be fun game activities as well as tug of war and mailbag races.

The BotswanaPost CEO said they will host a Gala dinner at Travel Lodge where prizes will be awarded for the winners of the competition.Reached for comment the Local Organising Chairperson of the Games Georginah Dennison said officials from Lesotho, Namibia and South-Africa arrived safely and settled well in the country.She said everything was on point to accommodate the visitors and was looking forward to the commencement of the games today. (Wednesday).