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Botswana Ash P4Million Soccer Sponsorship Ripple Effect On Botswana's Economy Football is undeniably one sport that has through history demonstrated its independent ability to unify nations, people, cultures, and lifestyles across the world. In the process, the exhilarating sport on multiple occasions has enhanced political relations and diplomatic ties between countries through friendly matches and collaborations. This boosts the image of a country with Television Channels broadcasting tournaments worldwide resulting in increased foreign investor appetite and attraction for investing in mineral and culturally diverse countries like Botswana. Located in Sowa Town, Botswana Ash is Africa’s leading producer of natural sodium and related products, and a major employer in the local economy of Sowa. The sodium producer recently launched its 5 year strategy dubbed ‘Double in Five, Safetly’ in a bold move to double its earnings before tax by 2027 through enhanced logistics, efficient plant operations, new product development, and steady market expansion. Besides the company’s contribution to the economy of Botswana, The Mine has convolutional insights on the value potential football has in transforming and developing both the local and national economy. Botash has through one of its CSI Policy focus areas outlined a comprehensive sponsorship deal in which it has committed to support Sowa Town’s locally groomed Football Club Sowa Flamingoes. Furthermore, The company’s CSI Engagements have stimulated economic activity in other industries such as the annual Makgadikgadi Epic which descends thousands of adventurists and tourist enthusiasts into the high flown picturesque Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi. Botash’s sweet sponsorship deal, has enabled the creation of fulltime jobs for all Sowa Flamingo’s Soccer Team players and support staff, and in the process purchased a plush 102 Seater Bus for the Team’s cross country  tournament engagements. 'Sustainability is not just a concept, it is deeply ingrained in our business model. We invite our stakeholders to join us build Africa’s leading supplier of natural sodium and related products' ,noted the company’s Managing Director Mr Kangangwani Phatswane in a statement. These pronouncements without a doubt are expected to not only see Botswana Ash’s new 5 year strategy doubling its bottomline and contribute to Botswana’s foreign earnings , it is also expected to strategically permeate the growth of Sua Flamingos competitive spirit, and develop the talent to be visible enough to tackle the team to the top of the premier league, and score the type of goals that are able to catch the attention of both local and foreign fanatics. The foreign fanatics who may very well be within the column of prospective decision makers, investors, tourists, and diplomats seeking to invest, do business, and build relations with Botswana in the array of opportunities the country continues to offer .https://lnkd.in/dJZEvBad

Kenya 🇰🇪 in Olympics Watching the Olympics as a Kenyan leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. The blatant racism happening, not just with the commentators, but also the reports of Olympic officials in France forcing athletes from certain countries to undergo doping tests up to 11 times a day, some even at midnight, are not only discriminatory but also disruptive to their performance, while also hearing fellow Athletes also being racist to each other... I wonder. Then again what did we expect from a Nation built on colonization, Slavery and 21st century exploitation of other Nations to survive? Not much. Away from France, adding to this disheartening situation is the realization that my precious Kenya 🇰🇪, once a formidable force in athletics, might not secure a gold medal this year. This isn't because our athletes lack talent or dedication, far from it. Our athletes are incredibly gifted and have consistently shown their prowess on the global stage. The problem lies within our own country's administration of sports. The individuals appointed by our presidents through our the years to oversee sports are often ill-equipped for the task. Their lack of expertise and vision has been detrimental to our athletes' success. The sports ministry in Kenya is treated like an afterthought, an extracurricular activity rather than a serious commitment to developing and nurturing our talent. This neglect is evident in the lack of investment in the necessary infrastructure, training facilities, and support systems for our athletes. We have not invested in the human capital required to help our athletes reach their full potential. Instead, we leave them to fend for themselves, with minimal support and resources. Even those of us who are involved in the sports industry on a professional level are constantly frustrated by the systemic issues that plague our sports administration. There is a dire need for reform, and it's high time the private sector steps in to bring about the changes needed to restore Kenya's glory in athletics. We need to prioritize sports as a crucial sector for national development. We must invest in proper training facilities, hire qualified professionals to manage our sports programs, and provide our athletes with the support they need to excel. Only then can we hope to reclaim our status as a powerhouse in athletics and bring pride to our nation once again. Otherwise, we will continue to see Kenyans winning for other nations. It's time for us to take a stand and demand better for our athletes and our country. The Olympics should be a celebration of human potential and achievement, not a platform for discrimination and incompetence. Let's work together to create a system that truly supports our athletes and allows them to shine on the world stage. www.skeiya.com | SKEIYA

[Article] Saluting the power of sport Sport has a cunning, yet magical way of bringing people together, no matter one’s race, creed or colour. Recent impressions on the official South African Government X account which is managed by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), has shown that a social media post on swimmer Tatjana Smith clinching gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Olympics garnered 68,144 impressions. The post also garnered 65,794 engagements on Facebook. Likewise, when Team South Africa secured silver in the men’s 4x100m relay at the same Paris Olympics, the subsequent post garnered 50,104 impressions on X and 12,211 post engagements on Facebook. And that is quite impressive for social media pages owned by government, as some people may shun government messaging for different reasons. While citizens may have negative feelings towards government, people do engage with what our government has to say. The figures generated above are indicative of this. Despite the challenges that hammer society, including inequality and unemployment, sport mends and stitches together the fabric of society despite the trials. In his congratulatory message to our sporting stars, when he was Acting President, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that sport has a “unique ability to bring South Africans together and uplift the nation's spirit, even amidst our challenges.” https://lnkd.in/dqGRVu4c

Underperformance of African Countries in the Paris 2024 Olympics The performance of African countries in the Paris 2024 Olympics has been a topic of significant discussion, as many nations from the continent did not meet expectations. Various factors contributed to this underperformance, ranging from inadequate preparation and funding to structural challenges within sports governance and global competition dynamics. This essay explores the key reasons behind the underperformance of African nations in the 2024 Olympics. One of the primary reasons for the underperformance of African countries in the Paris Olympics was inadequate preparation and insufficient funding. Many African nations face economic challenges that limit the allocation of resources to sports. Training facilities, coaching, and athlete development programs are often underfunded, leading to a lack of proper preparation. For instance, a report by the African Union Sports Council indicated that less than 5% of the GDP in most African countries is allocated to sports development, significantly lower than global standards. Another significant factor contributing to the underperformance is the structural inefficiencies within sports governance in many African countries. Corruption, mismanagement, and lack of strategic planning within sports federations have historically plagued African sports. In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, several African nations faced internal disputes and administrative setbacks that disrupted the training and selection processes for athletes. The increasing competitiveness of global sports also played a role in the underperformance of African countries. As sports become more globalized, nations worldwide have significantly invested in athlete development, leading to a higher standard of competition. Countries that were traditionally less dominant in certain sports have made substantial strides, narrowing the gap with African athletes who historically excelled in specific disciplines such as long-distance running. For example, countries like Japan and Brazil have made significant investments in track and field, diversifying the pool of top competitors and making. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the underperformance. The pandemic disrupted training schedules, competitions, and qualification events, particularly affecting African athletes who often rely on international competitions for exposure and development. The pandemic's impact was more severe in countries with less robust healthcare and economic systems, further disadvantaging African athletes compared to their counterparts in more developed nations. As a result, many African athletes entered the Olympics with less preparation and fewer competitive opportunities, impacting their performance.

Africa is poised for a major sporting boom in the coming decade, presenting immense opportunities for economic growth and social change. The continent has seen a steady rise in its sports market, which has grown by 2.8% annually in recent years, with forecasts predicting it could accelerate to 8% in the near future according to PwC's latest Global Sports Survey. Investors are recognizing the continent’s untapped potential across various sports, from football and rugby to motorsports, with professional sports franchises offering investment opportunities at a fraction of the cost compared to European markets. With a young, connected population, and increasing urbanization, sports spending in Africa is set to grow significantly. It’s predicted that the African sports market, currently valued at over $12 billion, could surpass $20 billion by 2035 according to Oliver Wyman's Tony Simpson. This surge is driven by infrastructure investments, local player development, and the rising commercial appeal of African sports teams on the global stage.

ICYMI: Government facilities investment needs to keep up as Women’s Asian Cup looms: In recent times, Football Australia released their ‘Legacy 23 report’ on the Women’s World Cup which was held in Australia and New Zealand last July. Sarah Walsh - Head of Women's Football, World Cup Legacy and Inclusion at Football Australia - reflected on the impact of the Matildas after the release of the Legacy report. The Matildas have been at the forefront of transformative societal change, challenging perceptions and gender stereotypes while advocating for sustained evolution within the Australian and international sporting landscape. “The Legacy ‘23 post-tournament report delves into the success achieved in leveraging the tournament, however, emphasises the need for increased funding to ensure that the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 isn’t merely a momentary triumph, but evolves into foundations for a thriving, equitable, and dynamic future for football,” Walsh stated. The numbers revealed in the report were quite staggering. The document stated that the World Cup had generated a $1.32 billion impact on the economy - with over 86,000 visitors to Australia contributing strongly to that figure. 1,288,175 tickets were sold to Australian based matches, with a global television viewership of almost two billion people. The event itself played a hugely significant role in promoting physical exercise and well-being across the nation with an estimated $324 million reduction in healthcare costs due to this increased activity in the community. A key part of the ‘Legacy 23’ plan from the FA was to garner increased government investment in facilities - due to the expected boom of popularity in the sport after hosting a World Cup on home shores. Football Australia unlocked more than $398 million in federal and state government funding for ‘Legacy 23’ related projects. $129 million of the total funds also positively benefitted other sports - due to facility upgrades to stadiums such as Perth Rectangular Stadium, Brisbane Stadium, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and the La Trobe Sports Precinct in Melbourne. Due to the Matildas’ success, and FA’s advocacy, the Australian government contributed $200 million to the ‘Play Our Way’ grant program. This is Australia’s biggest comprehensive investment in women’s sports, with funding to address participation barriers through safe, inclusive and sustainable facilities and programs. While the allocation of the investment between sports for this grant program has not been made public, football must be at the forefront for a large portion of this funding with a home Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon. According to FA’s ‘Legacy 23’ report, under 20% of the $398 million worth of government funding was invested into community facilities. “There remains a significant deficiency in facility investment… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

🏀ALBA BERLIN x SportSG - Interview with Coach Leo Aris in Singapore 🇸🇬 In April, Sport Singapore and ALBA BERLIN Basketballteam entered into a long-term oriented partnership, with the mutual goal to strengthen the basketball development structures in Singapore through sharing knowledge and expertise of their basketball programmes. 🎙️2 months into the pilot project, we sat down with ALBA BERLIN coach Leo Aris to ask him about his start in Singapore. ⬇️ 1️⃣ You moved to Singapore this summer, over 9,900 km away from ALBA’s hometown Berlin. How do you like it so far? 🗣️ I like it a lot. The people I‘ve meet since I got here are super nice, everybody looks out for one another. There are countless food options, from the traditional Hawker Stands to world wide cuisine, actually I also went to a German restaurant here as well. Additionally, I’m a warm weather person, so I’m really happy to escape the Berlin winter with -10 degree celsius and constant rain for once. ⬇️ 2️⃣ ALBA BERLIN‘s partnership with SportSG is the first government cooperation for the basketball club outside of Germany. The main objective is knowledge exchange in the development and implementation of basketball Programmes in Singapore. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role as the project coordinator and coach in charge? 🗣️ The most exciting part is to get to know how SportSG has been doing it the past few years and how we, as ALBA BERLIN, are able to develop their program to the next level. In the past 18 years we‘ve been doing a lot of good things in Germany which led to not only Berlin wide, but also German wide basketball development. Now we have the challenge, that we‘re facing a completely different framework regarding the kids’ weekly schedule. It‘s exciting to adapt our ideas and philosophies according to the Singaporean system. ⬇️ 3️⃣ In recent years Singapore has been proactive in promoting basketball of all levels in the region. The FIBA Intercontinental Cup and the 3x3 Asia Cup are hosted annually in Singapore. How popular is basketball among the local community and how do you rate the growth potential? 🗣️ During the past two months I observed a high interest in general sports but also basketball specifically. There are basketball courts all over the city and you can see people of every age working out and playing basketball everywhere. Since everybody is super friendly and open it doesn’t take long to get a pick up game going. I think there’s an enormous potential for basketball in Singapore, especially with a partner like SportSG. As of right now, there is no professional team located in Singapore, the community is missing a common place to meet and watch some high quality basketball. The FIBA Intercontinental Cup showed, that the local interest is high and the local youth seeks a team and players to look up to. ❗️Check out the comments section for the rest of the interview! 📷©️SportSG #singapore #berlin #basketball

The Importance of the World Cup for the Host Country The FIFA World Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, attracting millions of fans and generating significant global attention. For the host country, the World Cup presents a unique opportunity with numerous benefits that extend beyond just football. 1. Economic Boost: Hosting the World Cup can lead to a significant economic impact. The influx of tourists, sponsorships, and media rights generates revenue that can benefit local businesses and the national economy. Hotels, restaurants, and retail sectors often see a significant increase in demand, leading to job creation and enhanced economic activity. 2. Infrastructure Development: To prepare for the World Cup, host countries typically invest in infrastructure improvements, including stadiums, transportation systems, and public facilities. These upgrades not only serve the event but also provide long-term benefits to the local population, improving their quality of life. 3. Global Exposure: The World Cup offers a platform for the host country to showcase its culture, hospitality, and tourism potential to a global audience. This exposure can lead to increased tourism even after the tournament concludes, as visitors may be inspired to explore the country further. 4. National Pride and Unity: Hosting such a significant event can foster a sense of national pride and unity among citizens. It brings people together, transcending differences and promoting a shared identity as they support their national team. 5. Sport Development: The World Cup can also have a lasting impact on the development of sports within the host country. It can inspire young athletes and encourage investment in sports programmes, facilities, and grassroots initiatives, ultimately contributing to the growth of football and other sports. 6. Diplomatic Relations: Hosting the World Cup can enhance a country's international standing and diplomatic relations. It provides an opportunity for countries to engage with one another in a positive context, fostering goodwill and collaboration. In conclusion, the FIFA World Cup is not just a sporting event; It is a multifaceted opportunity for the host country to reap economic, social, and cultural benefits. The legacy of the World Cup can be felt long after the final whistle, making it a significant event for any nation fortunate enough to host it.

Top 5 Popular Sports for Betting in Ethiopia The Ethiopians are football and athletics crazy. But which sports especially do they bet on the most? Sports betting is rapidly gaining popularity in many countries; football, basketball, cricket, and the NFL are in the front. Nonetheless, for Ethiopia, the case is unique. This article reinforces the best five sports for betting in Ethiopia. In fact, there is more than that. In addition, we will give you a list of the best online sports betting sites in Ethiopia so you, too can participate. 1.   Football Betting in Ethiopia: With its widespread popularity and passionate fan base, football stands as the most popular betting sport in Ethiopia. Because of the variety of leagues and competitions, football also leaves behind athletics, which is equally popular in the country, on this list. 2.   Athletics Betting in Ethiopia: Athletics enjoys a unique status in Ethiopian sports culture and ranks second in popularity as a sport that people bet on. Having been very successful in long-distance running at the international level, Ethiopia has a huge fan base for athletics. 3.   Basketball Betting in Ethiopia: Even though basketball does not reach the peak popularity of football and athletics in Ethiopia, it still attracts a considerable amount of bettings. Ethiopian gamblers are attracted to major basketball events such as NBA games, FIBA tournaments, and local league matches for the thrilling action. 4.   Tennis Betting in Ethiopia: You know, Tennis is not really a known sport in Ethiopia. However, betting wise it has its own appeal and is among one of the popular sports for betting in Ethiopia. Grand Slam tournaments which include Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open are amongst the most betted events in tennis. 5.   Boxing Betting in Ethiopia: Boxing may also be a niche sport in Ethiopia, but it still commands a passionate following and attracts betting interest. Major boxing events, including world title fights and high-profile matchups featuring renowned fighters, captivate Ethiopian bettors. Top Betting Sites in Ethiopia: Among the leading betting sites in Ethiopia, several renowned names stand out prominently. Many of these platforms are internationally recognized companies that have extended their operations into Ethiopia’s betting market. Would you like to continue reading? Check out our full article on sports for betting in Ethiopia at [allinn.com](https://lnkd.in/esF9uUzv)

Government facilities investment needs to keep up as Women’s Asian Cup looms: In recent times, Football Australia released their ‘Legacy 23 report’ on the Women’s World Cup which was held in Australia and New Zealand last July. Sarah Walsh - Head of Women's Football, World Cup Legacy and Inclusion at Football Australia - reflected on the impact of the Matildas after the release of the Legacy report. The Matildas have been at the forefront of transformative societal change, challenging perceptions and gender stereotypes while advocating for sustained evolution within the Australian and international sporting landscape. “The Legacy ‘23 post-tournament report delves into the success achieved in leveraging the tournament, however, emphasises the need for increased funding to ensure that the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 isn’t merely a momentary triumph, but evolves into foundations for a thriving, equitable, and dynamic future for football,” Walsh stated. The numbers revealed in the report were quite staggering. The document stated that the World Cup had generated a $1.32 billion impact on the economy - with over 86,000 visitors to Australia contributing strongly to that figure. 1,288,175 tickets were sold to Australian based matches, with a global television viewership of almost two billion people. The event itself played a hugely significant role in promoting physical exercise and well-being across the nation with an estimated $324 million reduction in healthcare costs due to this increased activity in the community. A key part of the ‘Legacy 23’ plan from the FA was to garner increased government investment in facilities - due to the expected boom of popularity in the sport after hosting a World Cup on home shores. Football Australia unlocked more than $398 million in federal and state government funding for ‘Legacy 23’ related projects. $129 million of the total funds also positively benefitted other sports - due to facility upgrades to stadiums such as Perth Rectangular Stadium, Brisbane Stadium, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and the La Trobe Sports Precinct in Melbourne. Due to the Matildas’ success, and FA’s advocacy, the Australian government contributed $200 million to the ‘Play Our Way’ grant program. This is Australia’s biggest comprehensive investment in women’s sports, with funding to address participation barriers through safe, inclusive and sustainable facilities and programs. While the allocation of the investment between sports for this grant program has not been made public, football must be at the forefront for a large portion of this funding with a home Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon. According to FA’s ‘Legacy 23’ report, under 20% of the $398 million worth of government funding was invested into community facilities. “There remains a significant deficiency in facility investment across… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews