REMARKS BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, NYB, MP. AT THE OCCASION OF THE 2012 OLYMPIC DAY CELEBRATIONS, 23RD JUNE 2012 MAHALAPYE
Director of Ceremonies,
Deputy District Commissioner, Mr. MothibiMonyakengKgosiTsoebebeSegotsi le bomonnao, Chairperson of Mahalapye Sub-District Council, Honourable Councillors here present, BNOC President, Mr. Negroes M. Kgosietsile and Members of your Board, BNOC Chief Executive Officer, Mr TueloSerufho and Your Staff Sports Leaders here present, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. I am greatly pleased to be officiating at this very important occasion marking the 2012 Olympic Day Celebrations in Botswana.
2. I am even more delighted that the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) decided to bring these year’s celebrations to Mahalapye.
3. RreKgosietsile, there could never have been a more befitting honour on me as the founding President of the BNOC, to have these celebrations here, more so that this year Botswana has her best ever chance of winning the elusive Olympic medal.
4. This is not only an honour to me, but to the people of Mahalapye as well, for I am told that besides the Send Off Ceremony for the team to the London 2012 Games, today’s occasion will be the BNOC’s final public event before the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. This day commemorates the founding of the Olympic Movement and indeed the Modern Day Olympics on 23rd June 1894 by a man of French origin, Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
6. The celebration of the Olympic Day is an important reminder about the values of Olympism which we should uphold as individuals, groups, communities and nations.
7. According to the Olympic Charter: “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole, the qualities of body, will and mind.
Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles”.
Director of Ceremonies,
8. This year’s celebrations are especially important for us in Botswana as our Team is about to embark on what we all anticipate to be a historic performance at the Olympic Games.
9. We are on the verge of receiving ‘the fruits of our efforts’ as we have a realistic opportunity of attaining the coveted Olympic Medal at the London Games.
10. This possibility has a huge nostalgic effect on me in particular, as it concludes what I was a part of creating; a sense of joy and pride overwhelms me as I think of where the struggle originates.
11. I am happy that victory looks set to happen in our lifetime and it is my hope that the maiden Olympic Medal will inspire all within the sporting fraternity and beyond that hard work and perseverance eventually pay off.
12. Celebrations of this nature should also assist in evoking interest in the young and old to engage in sport and physical activity, for their own good.
13. The importance of a healthy active life could never be overemphasised and I commend the BNOC for continuing to ‘preach’ this message.
14. It is my sincere hope that after the BNOC has left, the Mahalapye community will be converted to continue with this enriching lifestyle.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. Before I conclude, let me congratulate the BNOC President and his team for their foresightedness in having developed a Long Term Athlete Development strategy that they have themed “The London 2012 & Beyond Plan”.
16. I have no doubt the strategy will assist to unearth and nurture more AmantleMontsho’s and in the process realise our national vision of “A United and Proud Nation”.
17. Further to that the strategy will ensure that Botswana remains a force to reckon with in the world of sport.
18. In conclusion Director of Ceremonies, let me wish Botswana team a successful and fulfilling participation at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I thank you for your attention. PULA!!!