A contingent of young athletes from Botswana has traveled to Angola to participate in the 4th African Youth Games (AYG). The multi-sport event, running from December 10th to 20th, 2025, will see athletes aged 14 to 17 compete against peers from 53 other African nations.
Encouragement Over Expectation
Lawrence Ookeditse, the acting Minister of Sport and Arts, addressed the team before their departure. He emphasized a philosophy of enjoyment and personal growth, stating there was “no pressure” on the young competitors. Ookeditse encouraged them to embrace the experience, forge friendships, and give their best effort, viewing the games as a foundational step in their athletic journeys.
“Your participation in these games is not an end in itself, but it is a powerful beginning,” Ookeditse explained. He highlighted the broader goal of developing athletes for future events, including the Youth Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The minister described the young athletes as not just representatives, but as individuals shaping the future of sport for Botswana.
Drawing Inspiration from National Heroes
Botswana has a proud history of sporting success, a point Ookeditse underscored for the aspiring athletes. He referenced national icons like Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos, and more recent stars such as Letsile Tebogo and Collen Kebinatshipi, urging the youth to view them as sources of inspiration.
Ookeditse’s message aimed to demystify the achievements of these champions. “All of these people were you at some point… they are nothing special” in terms of their origins, he told the team, implying their success stemmed from dedication and effort, qualities accessible to all. He reinforced the idea that the current generation could even surpass the achievements of their predecessors, noting that their selection already placed them among the top 2% of athletes in their age group domestically.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
While promoting athletic excellence, Ookeditse also stressed the importance of education. He advised the athletes to strive for a balance between their sporting pursuits and academic studies.
“You can excel in sport, and still do very well in whatever you pursue in your academic life,” he remarked, advocating against the notion that athletic success should come at the expense of educational attainment.
A Stepping Stone to Future Competitions
Despite the emphasis on enjoyment over immediate results, the African Youth Games hold significant importance. The event serves as a crucial qualifying stage for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Botswana’s team comprises athletes competing across 14 diverse sporting codes. These include athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling, fencing, equestrian, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and weightlifting, showcasing the breadth of the nation’s youth sports development.
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