In their efforts to develop dancing sport which is “new” in Botswana, the Botswana Dancing Sport Association (BODANSA) and World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) conducted a five day trainers’ workshop at the national stadium.
The organisers, trainers and trainees said the workshop went smoothly and was effective. This was WDSF Phase 1 of the four phases of the Long Term Athlete Development which is adopted by Botswana and other countries in order to develop athletes. BODANSA said the next phase will be in July.
During the Workshop closing ceremony on Friday, WDSF Membership Commission member Giovanni Chiapperini told Sunday Standard when interviewed on the sidelines that he is impressed with the trainees and the hospitality that they got from Batswana.
“The workshop was a big step forward and showed Batswana dancers have a great future ahead of them. They were wonderful and they will improve into quality athletes,” said Chiapperini.
Chiapperini who was also an instructor during the workshop said he is also impressed at how the Botswana National Olympic Committee offers the sport some support.
The Italian international who played the sport for 20 years and represented his country in international championships said he is positive that one day Botswana or any African country will make it in the international arena.
In his remarks Botswana National Olympic Committee Vice President Lieutenant Colonel Botsang Tshenyego said the workshop was the beginning of greater things that will happen in this sport. He said the birth of dance sport in Botswana and in the region could not have come at a better time.
“The sport has a greater opportunity to grow in Africa. Some old sports are struggling to grow or even evolve into more viable and contemporary organization like you, which is highly commendable,” said Tshenyego.
Tshenyego also urged participants to double their efforts in recruiting more members to their organisation.
This trainers’ workshop attracted 10 Batswana, four Lesotho internationals, two South Africans and three Mozambicans. In Africa, only Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa are members of the WDSF. All the trainees and trainers got certification from WDSF.
