The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 19th Edition of the Confederation of Universities of Universities and Colleges of Sport Association (CUCSA) Games received a huge boost after reaching an endorsement agreement with some of the country’s top athletes.
Sunday Standard has it on good record that the LOC reached an endorsement agreement with the 2018 Commonwealth Games Medalists Isaac Makwala, Onkabetse Nkobolo, Baboloki Thebe, Leaname Maotoanong, Amantle Montsho, Loungo Matlhaku, Christine Botlogetswe and Galefele Moroko.
The eight athletes are said to have all agreed to be campaign ambassadors for the (CUCSA) Games that will be hosted in Botswana from the 18th to the 22nd of June 2018 in Gaborone. Angola‘s withdrawal to host the event means that this will be the third time Botswana will host CUCSA games.
Speaking at the Stakeholders Meeting for the Gaborone CUCSA Games, Makwala emphasized the need of support for grassroots development in sport.
The reigning Commonwealth Games men’s 400m champion said while he would not be part of the games due to his competition schedule, he will however support the games as much as possible.
Makwala then called on corporates to come on board, saying sponsorships for sports should start at grassroots level because that is where the future and talent is. CUCSA Games Chairperson Fish Pabalinga expressed confidence that his team is prepared to host the high level event.
He said the LOC is running a campaign competition on social media and they have selected #oneNessThroughSport as the game positioning because it is more relevant as they want to promote oneness through the regional block.
For his part BOTESSA President Herbert Letsebe said “BOTESSA is an affiliate of CUCSA and is responsible for organising activities across all codes in outdoor and indoor for all institutions in Botswana and excelling athletes then qualify for international events. I am happy to announce BOTESSA assembled a team of strong men and women who are mandated to deliver the best games.”
At least 2500 athletes from 10 SADC countries are expected to compete in this year’s CUCSA games. The athletes will compete in various sporting codes which will include ball sports, karate, athletics and swimming.
