By Anita Rannoba
All roads lead to the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) grounds on the 24th of November for the second edition of ‘The Max’ wheelchair basket ball tournament. The tournament is organized by former national team basketball player and gender based violence activist, Malebogo “Max” Molefhe through the Malebogo Max Trust Foundation.
According to Molefhe, the aim of the tournament is to raise awareness about gender based violence as well as wheelchair basketball. A former basketball national team, Molefhe’s world all but crumbled when she was shot by her boyfriend and was left wheelchair bound.
Despite her ordeal, she has not allowed disability to get the best of her and is now reaching out to other wheelchair bound Batswana who are interested in playing the sport.
With the commemorative 16 days on gender based violence on women and children on the horizon, Molefhe said it is now ‘a great time to sensitize and inspire other people with disabilities to engage in sports, not only basketball.’
“This tournament is meant for people living with disabilities to showcase their talent at the same time sending a message to help stop gender based violence,” Molefhe said.
She highlighted that this is not a competition but a way to improve the country’s sports and sporting codes. Four women only teams, two disabled and two able bodied are expected to grace the event. Teams to be participating on the day are the Diamond Wheelers Basketball team and South East District Disability Sport Association while fully bodied teams to take part are BDF V and The Dolphins.
In addition Molefhe indicated that different stakeholders and NGO’S will grace the event. IWG and Men and Boys have indicated their participation in the event.
