Debswana Diamond Company is proud to have extended its support to the National Paralympic Team by donating a sum of P 771 000 to enable the team to compete at the just ended 2015 Summer Paralympic Games in the United States of America.
The team has done exceptionally well, scooping an overwhelming 20 medals in total as compared to 14 medals they clinched the last time the country participated in the same competition. The medals include 4 Gold, 6 silver and 10 bronze.
This year Botswana sent a total of 40 athletes and 18 officials and the team comprised of several sporting codes such as volleyball, football, athletics and swimming. Debswana was the leading sponsor of the team. Speaking on behalf of Debswana, Head of Internal Audit Tshego Modise re-emphasized that Debswana was pleased to partner with the Botswana National Sport Commission to improve sports in the country not only for the Paralympics but also in other various sport initiatives in the country. She highlighted other sports initiatives sponsored by Debswana such as Re Ba Bona Ha sports development programme to the tune of P 6, 3 million and the BFA's first division league at P 6 million.
About 170 countries and up to 7000 athletes took part in the competition. According to the President of the Botswana Special Olympics Mr. Ross Tebele, the Debswana sponsorship boosted the morale of the whole team and they are still basking in the glory of their performance. "We are thankful of the Debswana sponsorship as we were this time around able to give all the athletes and unemployed coaches some allowances.
Mr Tebele also expressed gratitude towards Debswana for availing the services of a medical doctor and two teachers during the games. "The requirement that teams should bring their own medical support came in last minute and Debswana came to the rescue by releasing and sponsoring their employees to go with the team."
The local athletes that performed well at the 2015 Paralympic games have been handed to the Paralympics Association of Botswana who are currently preparing for the 2015 All Africa Games scheduled for Brazzaville, Congo in September.