Botswana: The Botswana Dance Sport Association (BODANSA) held the first edition of the International Grand Prix Championships. The officials have shared that the 2024 edition of the event was hosted at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena.
The event was hosted on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2. The event was sponsored by Okavango Diamond Company and Turnstar Holdings. The first edition of the international supported by Botswana National Sport Council and Botswana National Olympic Committee.
These organizations work for the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture. The Ministry shared glimpses from the event on its social media and expressed its pride in its success.
The officials of the various sponsors of the international event were present at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena. The Managing Director of the main sponsor of the event, Okavango Diamond Company, was also present.
Mmetla Masire delivered a brief address at the event. He was happy to support the event hosted by the Botswana Dance Sport Association (BODANSA).
He noted that competitions like the Grand Prix promote unity and celebrates the beauty and artistry of dance. He called dance as a universal language that goes beyond borders asserting that the art must be supported by the various authorities.
Masire indicated that the Diamond Company takes pride in supporting and promoting cultural exchange. While supporting the artform of dance, he urged other institutions to support the creatives so their talent could shine.
BODANSA President, Tiroeaone Ntsima highlighted that they have been longing for such competitions. The officials shared that these competitions were adversely affected and put on hold by the the Covid 19 pandemic.
The grand prix attracted 324 athletes from Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique. Athletes participated in several dance form competitions including:
- Latin
- Ballroom
- Salsa
- Bachata
- Bhangra
- Hip-Hop
- Contemporary
- Jika majika
- Break Dance
- Afro pop
The traditional dance categories which were included in the International Grand Prix Championships included:
- Setapa
- Borankana
- Tsutsube
- Polka
- Hosana
- Diware