Kalafhi Medical Center’s involvement in the Inter Company Olympiad is part of their Corporate Social Investment, playing an active role in the community by promoting health awareness and conscientising citizens about the importance of knowing their health status. Gaborone International Health Expo which is managed by Amble Promotions is at the forefront of bringing these games in Gaborone.
“Organisations and athletes of all types, sizes and ability will compete in a variety of sports activities. By bringing the private sector, sports industry and government together, sports in Botswana has a potential to play a significant role in the livelihood of Batswana and in the fight against Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” says Kalafhi co-director Barolong Mouwane. Mouwane added that they aim to use platforms such as the Inter Company Olympiad and to work with the sports community to advance health for all and assist the sport industry in achieving its strategic plan and objectives.
They also aim to raise public awareness and community mobilisation. They will also take advantage during the games to disseminate credible health lifestyles information and practice guidelines. They will also create a healthy environment within the workplace and community. Lastly, He said they aim to use the platform to facilitate health screenings across communities to prevent and detect diseases early. “The main event will take place at the national stadium where organisations and athletes will be participating in a series of sports activities. Athletes will participate in a series of 100 meters, 200m, 400m spring and 100m relay. The top three winners will receive cash prizes. The winner will receive additional benefits such as medical care services from Kalafhi Medical Center and sponsorship towards their local or international games,” he explained the events for the athletes and paralympians.
He added: “Investing in sports has proven to contribute significantly towards the athlete’s performance and participation. Therefore, the Inter Company Olympiads will not only be a catalyst in promoting fitness and healthy living across the country, but it will help support our nation’s athletes excel in what they do and give them the recognition they deserve”.
Participating companies will partake in the sports activities for both men and men in high jump, javelin throwing, long jump, 200m sprint, 400m spring, 100m relay and obstacle courses. The Top 3 companies with the most accumulated points at the end of the competition, stand a chance to win cash prizes. Each team member who wins first, second and third prize will receive cash prizes, medals and participation certificates. In addition, the company that comes first will receive the Inter Company Trophy with the company name engraved on it.
He said other activities and amenities that will be available during the main event include tug-of-war, health food vendor stalls, exhibition stalls from health and wellness businesses, entertainment for kids like jumping castle, sack race, egg race and 100m sprint, five-a-side football math and free health screenings. There will be tournaments in golf, tennis, basketball, netball, cricket, table tennis, football and karate including Paralympic games.
He said there will also be a panel discussion to whose purpose is to invite corporates, parastatals, government and the general public to an insightful discussion that addresses the current health challenges as well as how sports can contribute to the well-being of the country, its athletes and consumers.
With the rise of NCDs, he said it is becoming even more paramount for people to do regular screenings in order to know their health status and detect diseases at an early stage. Participants will be screened for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, HIV and AIDS, breast cancer, oxygen levels and temperature. “Health screenings will be conducted at participating organisations and selected sites in Gaborone.”
In conclusion, he is inviting companies to come as partners and participate in these activities.
