Selby’s uniform shop in Maun has come to the rescue of Delta Karate Academy Kumite gold medallist, Blessing Moipudi’s participation at the upcoming region 5 Karate Championship in Durban on May 27- 29.
The 16-year-old under 54 kg female gold medallist who among other athletes qualified to represent the country at the championships received the P7500 sponsorship needed for her to participate, just a day before the deadline. The sponsorship covers her travel expenses, accommodation, meals and competition fees.
Receiving the donation Delta Karate Academy Coach Calvin Thuthuka told Times Sports that he had lost hope for Moipudi’s participation at the championships. He has commended Selbys owner Noeline Ndaba for coming in to assist at the critical moment, and ensure the young lad participates at the championships.
He indicated that though the travel expenses burden has been lifted off their shoulders the 16-year-old Moipudi also needs a World Karate Federation (WKF) approved uniform which costs around P5000 for her to participate at the championships. According to him, Moipudi during the qualifiers tournament was able to participate with a WKF unapproved uniform due to shortage of funds.
Thuthuka lamented that the sponsorship issue had however affected Moipudi’s training for the championships. “She had doubts about her trip and she was frustrated by the fact that she had not yet received any sponsorship,” the coach revealed.
He noted that he will make sure Moipudi utilises the remaining few days training without any disturbance adding that he has hope for her win at the championships.
Thuthuka noted that Moipudi, who is a form three student at Sedie Junior Secondary School, got to train for the qualifying competitions in one month but managed to win position 1 for the under 54 kg Kumite category and position 3 for under 54kg Kata category, subsequently qualifying for the Durban meet.
Botswana Karate Association Sports Development officer China Metswi confirmed that the Karate National Team athletes who will be representing the country at the region 5 Karate championships are requested to contribute P7500 as the association does not have enough money to coverthe costs.
He indicated that Botswana National Sports Council which has been sponsoring the competition for the past 30 years has indicated that it is awaiting the 2022-2023 financial year government subventions from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Development (MYSC).
Metswi confirmed that the association has since issued each athlete with letters to request sponsorship from various companies and individuals across the country. He noted that the association has already reserved a bus to transport the athletes at a cost of P90 000, adding that they will providing athletes will the national team uniforms.
“We have around forty athletes who are supposed to participate at the championships, however we are not certain on how many will participate because only those who managed to contribute money for travel expenses will be able to go,” Metswi explained.
