Botswana: Today, women across the globe compete at great lengths, and many of them have become elite sportswomen. Speaking during the first-ever Inaugural Botswana Women Sports Awards yesterday at Lekidi Football Centre, Ms Lobito Ncube, commended women for their achievements in sports.
She said with the various current platforms set to drive the transition of women and girl child participation worldwide, Botswana as a country needs to be intentional in the quest to nurture, support and promote the growth of sports.
Ms Ncube said that having women and young girls participate in sports has and continues to break down gender stereotypes while also improving their self-esteem, contributing to their leadership and strategic thinking skills.
She further stated that the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to achieve full gender balance in the number of participating athletes for the first time.
Ms Ncube conveyed gratitude to all people, organizers, partners and stakeholders who ensured that the event was a success.
For her part, one of the organizers, Kesego Okie, said that the awards were initiated in order to celebrate and appreciate the incredible performance displayed by sports women in Botswana.
She commended the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture for their role in the birth of the project. The awards are a collaboration between Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO), Inside BW Women and Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC). Honouring women’s stellar performances for the year 2021/2022, the awards had 17 categories, with winners walking away with cash prizes and trophies.
Below are the awardees:
- Umpire of the Year: Dorothy Okachi
- Volunteer of the Year: Joyce Madome
- Sports Journalist of the Year -TV: Katlego Kgakole
- Sports Journalist of the Year – Radio: Lebowa Moroen
- Journalist of the Year- Print: Anastacia Sibanda
- Photographer of the Year: Kennedy Ramokone
- The administrator of the Year: Tshepiso Lopang
- Young Promising Female Athlete: Kutlo Kesiilwe
- HeForShe Champion: Mandlaenkosi Masuku
- Coach of the Year: Pearl Mooketsi
- Team of the Year: Ladies Lawn Bowls Team
- Sports Woman of the Year with Disability: Neo Gabontshwe
- Sports Woman of the Year: Lethabo Modukanele
- Courage Award: Magdeline Moyengwa
- CEO’s Special Award: Anastacia Sibanda
- Champion for Equality Award: DEBSWANA CEO’s
- Special Award: Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang
