Phoenix of Botswana Assurance has unveiled P52 000 sponsorship to Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) to host a series of three high-profile International Tournaments at Botho University, Gaborone on December 12th -15th, 2024.
The three tournaments spanning different age categories include the Commonwealth under 13 to be held on the 12th December 2024 which will feature boys and girls singles categories.
In addition, the association will on the 14th and 15th December 2024 host the Phoenix Assurance of Botswana under 13 International Tournament (boys singles) and the Phoenix Assurance of Botswana International Tournament (both Genders).
In an interview, BTTA Public Relations Officer Tshegofatso Malepa said the tournaments are designed to nurture and showcase the incredible talent among young table tennis players, not only in Botswana but also from the region. Malepa noted that the tournaments offer a unique opportunity for athletes to compete against some of the best players in their categories.
“We want to expose our development players to international tournaments and in the same way be a hub for hosting international tournaments,’’ she said.
Malepa has revealed that they are expecting all Commonwealth affiliates to take part in the under 13 tournaments across Africa and other continents. According to Malepa, in addition to cash prizes BTTA is offering food hamper vouchers valued at P450 to selected local participants and the vouchers are part of the association’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports.
“Everything is in order we have secured all the necessary items to host the tournaments, BNSC has granted us permission to host, we had secured sponsorships, registration still on going,’’ she said.
In the Commonwealth under 13 category, Gold medalists will walk away with P3, 000, a silver medallist will be awarded P2, 000 while bronze medalists win P1, 500. On the 13th December 2024 the BTTA will host the Under 15 Regional Tournament which will feature both genders. Champions for this tournament will be awarded P3, 000 and silver medallists will walk away with P2, 000 while bronze medallists will receive P1, 500 each.
Under 13 International Tournament champions will stand a chance to pocket P3, 000 and silver medallists will walk away with P2, 000 while bronze medallists will receive P1, 500 each. For the International Tournament (both Genders), gold medallists will receive P5, 000 and silver medallists will pocket P3, 000 while bronze medallists win P2, 000 each.
