BWF president off to Moscow for FILA meeting

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday May 3, 2013 00:00

Sharp told Mmegi Sport  this week that the meeting has been organized by FILA to discuss the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to drop wrestling from its schedule for the 2020 games.Sharp explained that the move by the IOC was shocking and as FILA members, they will be meeting to discuss and strategise on how they can convince IOC to allow wrestling to be part of the games.

He said that wrestling is one of the codes that have been part of the Olympics from the beginning.Meanwhile, Sharp said education department have permitted BWF to introduce wrestling in primary schools in Selebi-Phikwe.He said the decision would enable them to introduce the sport at grassroots level.

'Most sporting codes are failing to grow in Botswana because they do not focus on introducing them (sport codes) to kids when they are still young. 'We want to make sure that we do not miss any step in growing the sport.The coaching will be done by our qualified instructor, Mompati Kebotlogetswe,' he said.

Sharp explained that if the project is a success in Selebi-Phikwe, then it could be extended to other areas such as Gaborone and Francistown.  He said that the idea is for the sport to be also introduced in junior and senior secondary schools in the region. He explained that Kebotlogetswe was part of the team of wrestling instructors who took part in the Advanced Course for Coaches in South Africa in November last year.Sharp said internationally renowned coach, Professor Stephen Kazarian who has written a lot of insightful books on wrestling, did the training.

He noted that it was the first time the course was held in Africa, but unfortunately only Botswana and South Africa took part out of eight countries that were invited.    'We are also planning on having a coaching clinic for referees, judges and coaches and it will be offered by an instructor from South Africa Wrestling Federation,' said Sharp.

BWF also got a shot in the arm when their grant was increased from P50, 000 to P200, 000 by the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC).  Sharp said the increment is a welcome development because their main challenge has always been lack of equipment.