Organisers of the Gaborone International Meet (GIM) have kept their promise of paying athletes’ appearance fees. This was revealed during the launch of GIM LOC which was graced by the CEO of African Union Sports council Region 5 yesterday (Wednesday).

The athletes received their dues on Tuesday during the launch of the GIM 2019 Local Organising Committee. From the 14 athletes that were paid, Amantle Montsho and Isaac Makwala walked away richer after pocking P13, 000 each. The rest of the athletes each banked P4, 500.

Montsho was competing in 200m and 400m while Makwala was in the 400m.

Other athletes who received their fees are Leaname Maotoanong (400m), Loungo Matlhaku (100m and 200m), Rapula Diphoko (5000m), Leungo Scotch (400m), Christine Botlogetswe (200m and 400m), Boitumelo Masilo (800m), Sylvester Koko (5000m), Goitseone Seleka (400m), Galefele Moroko (400m), Ruri Rammokolodi (Long Jump), Maitumelo Botswakgosi

(800m) and Sesebo Matlapeng (5000m and 3000m).

The Meet started ten years ago as a Sports View International Meet and it was re-branded to Gaborone International Meet in 2016.

Meanwhile, GIM started 12 years ago as Sports View International Meet.

It was re-branded in 2016. This is an annual event that is held every April at the National Stadium in Gaborone. The event is divided into Premium, Classic and Promotional events. There is also a category for the disabled from Special Olympics Botswana.

The track and field event is meant to give local athletes an opportunity to compete with athletes from the region. Some of the countries that competed at the 2018 edition were Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Lesotho and Swaziland.

The 2019 edition is scheduled for April 27 at the National Stadium.

Furthermore, The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AUSC Region 5, Stanley Mutoya graced the occasion. Speaking during the launch, Kaboeamodimo said his Ministry remains available to assist entities that embark on initiatives that augment sport development.

“Such initiatives leads to the success stories of athletes that continues to write throughout the world. The Botswana National Sport Commission, Botswana National Olympic Committee and Botswana Athletics Association cannot afford to be the only stakeholders that assist the Ministry in molding our athletes and ensuring that they are ready for the world of athletics,” Kaboeamodimo said.

The LOC Members: Mrs Naledi Dikgomo-Goulden (Chairperson), Mr Kitso Kemoen (General Manager), Mr Gabriel Ngele (Project, Audit and Risk Management), Mr Tshepo Kelaotswe (Technical), Mrs Tshephang Othusitse (Operations), Mr Bosenogile Mpiwa (Finance), Miss Keenese Katisenge (Marketing), Mr Thabiso Mooketsi (Security) and Mr Calistus Kolantsho (Public Relations).