Debswana Diamond Company says it is proud of the performance of the National Paralympic Team that competed at the just ended 2015 Summer Paralympic Games in the United States of America. The team performed exceptionally well, scooping an overwhelming 20 medals in total compared to 14 medals they clinched the last time the country participated in the same competition.
The medals include 4 Gold, 6 silver and 10 bronze. Prior to the team’s departure, Debswana Diamond Company donated the sum of P771 000 to enable the team compete effectively. This year Botswana sent a total of 40 athletes and 18 officials and the team comprised of several sporting codes such as volleyball, football, athletics and swimming. Debswana was the leading sponsor of the team. Speaking on behalf of Debswana, Head of Internal Audit, Tshego Modise, emphasised that Debswana was pleased to partner with the Botswana National Sport Commission to improve sports in the country not only for the Paralympics but also for other various sport initiatives in the country.
She highlighted other sports initiatives sponsored by Debswana such as Re Ba Bona Ha sports development programme to the tune of P6,3 million and the BFA’s first division league at P6 million. About 170 countries and up to 7000 athletes took part in the competition. According to the President of the Botswana Special Olympics Mr. Ross Tebele, the Debswana sponsorship boosted the morale of the whole team and they are still basking in the glory of their performance. “We are thankful of the Debswana sponsorship as this time around we were able to give all the athletes and unemployed coaches some allowances. Mr Tebele also expressed gratitude towards Debswana for availing the services of a medical doctor and two teachers during the games.
“The requirement that teams should bring their own medical support came in last minute and Debswana came to the rescue by releasing and sponsoring their employees to go with the team.” The local athletes that performed well at the 2015 Paralympic games have been handed over to the Paralympics Association of Botswana who are currently preparing for the 2015 All Africa Games scheduled for Brazzaville, Congo in September.
