All tracks lead to Sowa this coming week, as the salt mining town hosts the inaugural Makgadikgadi Softball Grand Slam from September 29 to October 3.
The tournament brings together some of Botswana’s top softball teams together for five days of competition and entertainment. Events will include softball matches, championship finals, cultural activities and entertainment as part of Botswana’s 60th Independence anniversary celebrations.
A total of 16 teams, eight (8) men’s teams and eight (8) women’s teams have qualified for the Grand Slam finals. The men’s qualified teams are Wells International, Gata la Motho, Police IX, BDF IX, Carrats, Comets, Scramblers and Rail Giants. In the women’s competition, the qualified teams are Titans, Police IX, BDF IX, Ghetto Yankees, Carrats, Wells International, Bears and Panthers.
According to event organisers, the Grand Slam aims to develop softball talent, improve the standard of competition and take the sport to areas outside its traditional centres. They also want to use the event to promote tourism, community development and economic activity in the Makgadikgadi region.
The sporting programme starts on September 30, with championship games scheduled to begin at 12 noon. The main competition will be held at Sowa Town Council Stadium, which will also host the finals. Organisers say the official opening ceremony will take place at 3pm before the competition continues later in the afternoon.
Softball matches will be played at Lapa on October 1 from 8am to 3pm. The competition will continue at Sowa Stadium on October 2, also from 8am to 3pm. The Grand Finals will be held on October 3, when the women’s and men’s champions will be decided.
For the qualified teams, the tournament will provide an opportunity to compete against strong opposition and gain valuable experience. The P75,000 prize for each of the men’s and women’s champions is expected to add further interest to the finals, with teams competing for both the title and the financial reward.
Away from the playing fields, organisers have planned several activities as part of the five-day programme. The event begins on September 29 with the arrival of participants and a fireworks evening.
September 30 will include the Kgotla Independence Celebrations Cultural Night and official opening. A sunset picnic is planned for Lapa on October 1, while October 2 will feature Diamond Jubilee celebrations and a music festival after the day’s activities.
Organisers say they expect the tournament to bring athletes, supporters and visitors to Sowa, creating business opportunities for accommodation providers, traders and other local businesses.
The event has received support from Sowa’s traditional and political leadership. Their hope is that the Grand Slam will leave a meaningful impact on the people of Sowa by creating opportunities for local businesses, young people and sporting talent, while also contributing to the development and promotion of the nation.
For local softball, they hope that hosting the competition in Sowa will encourage more young people in the region to take up softball and give the area greater exposure as a sport and tourism destination.
