The World Athletics has awarded Botswana Golden Grand Prix a massive stride to host the athletics continental tour gold status billed for the 29th of April 2023, at the National Stadium in Gaborone, to become the only two continental tours held in Africa. However, with such a milestone comes a ‘pressure’ responsibilities and hosting logistics.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) led by Golden Door Sports Agency, the brainchild idea of former athlete Glody Dube are projecting an estimated P9m budget to stage a successful event. The budget entails athletes flights, appearance fees, accommodation, staff remunerations, medals among others logistics.
In an interview this week, the tour mouthpiece Calistus Kolantsho has alluded that the prize monies are set from the World Athletics, the preparations need a firm budget and the committee is racing against the clock to raise sponsorships and partners.
“We are advancing stages with certain corporate entities to sponsor our tour. Some are promising and some are dominant. When organizing such a big event a lot of funding is needed and good legislation to compel a certain rules to sponsorship. So far, the government through the sport ministry has promised at least P1m as the government year funding is coming to an end and that is the only funds we are having ahead of April extravaganza. We therefore appeal to potential sponsors to come on board. The continental tour is the best branding tool in athletics every country envy and can amplify the country image and any sponsor identity. The return on investment is huge and athletics have shown that it is one discipline in sport that brings massive results,” said Kolantsho.
Meanwhile the world athletics governing body has approved a standard U$179, 400 (an estimated P2.33m) for prize monies to athletes coming to Gaborone for a stern competition.
Besides the budget, confirmed events for the main programme:
Mensevent: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 3000SC, 400m Hurdles, Long Jump, Short Put and Women events include: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, Long Jump, Short Put
Botswana Golden Grand Prix is organised by Golden Door Sports Agency in partnership with World Athletics, Confederation of African Athletics, Botswana Government, Botswana National Sports Commission, Botswana National Olympics Committee and Botswana Athletics Association.
