Gaborone takes centre stage as Southern Africa’s university athletes launch a week of regional rivalry, talent spotting and sporting pride.
GAZETTE REPORTER
The 22nd Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games kicked off on Monday evening at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, ushering in a week of intense competition as university athletes from across Southern Africa battle for regional glory.
CITY SHOWCASE
The Games will run until 5 July across various sporting venues in Gaborone, including the University of Botswana Sports Arena, Lekidi Football Grounds, Botho University Sports Hall, Notwane Tennis Grounds and Royal Aria Stadium.
Athletes will compete in several sporting codes, including volleyball, netball, athletics and table tennis, among others.
HOSTING MOMENT
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson Outule Bale expressed confidence in Botswana’s readiness to host a memorable edition of the regional championships.
“We are happy to have been trusted with such a big task by our mother body, CUCSA, to host Games of this magnitude in our country. We worked tirelessly to make sure that we deliver the best Games and also give our counterparts the best experience,” he said.
Bale said hosting the prestigious tournament further strengthens Botswana’s growing reputation as a destination capable of staging major sporting events. He added that the influx of athletes, officials and supporters is also expected to provide a welcome boost to the local economy through increased activity in various sectors.
REGIONAL PRIDE
For his part, CUCSA President Mwape Nshimbi challenged participating athletes to compete with integrity, discipline and respect while embracing the true spirit of sportsmanship.
“The Games should not only be about winning medals, but also about strengthening friendships and fostering unity among universities in the Southern African region as you transition to elite sport. We should always embrace the norms and values of sport at every level we compete in,” he stressed.
TALENT PLATFORM
While providing a stage for elite university competition, the CUCSA Games are widely regarded as an avenue for identifying future national team athletes while promoting cultural exchange and regional cooperation through sport.
Delivering the closing remarks, Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Chief Executive Officer Olebile Sikwane commended the Government of Botswana for its continued investment in sport.
“Sport should be recognised as a strategic investment capable of driving youth empowerment, social inclusion and economic growth, while creating opportunities beyond the field of play,” he added.
The official opening ceremony concluded with the opening volleyball match between Botswana and Zambia in the men’s category, which the hosts lost 3-0.