BNOC ECHOES FOR AID

PIC:Tuelo Serufho presenting to the media.Kabelo Seleka

BY:Kabelo Seleka
GABORONE:Botswana National Olympic Committee(BNOC) has pleaded with sports faithfuls and citizens of Botswana to partake in BNOC Tokyo 2020 SMS campaign following a low turn up in the P 2.5 million ambitious target.

The 1978 founded organization has only received 2905 SMS as of April 2019 with a year to go to the much anticipated 4 medal targeted Toykyo 2020 Olympics by Team Botswana.

With a at least a maximum of P14 525.00 raised of P2.5 million BNOC has strategised other ways to raise more money.

According to Sunday Standard newspaper, the initiative with the hope of raising preparatory and welfare funds for the athletes, the public account opened for the campaign is yet to reach at least P20 000 in its first two months of operation raising an eyebrow in meeting the 2.5 million Pula target.

When addressing media practitioners this morning,BNOC Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Tuelo Serufho elaborated that they are in dialogue with their partners(mobile networks and VIB mobile) to reduce the charges of the campaign and also make it flexible for patrons to donate any amount.
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Serufho lamented that besides the low turn up,they are grateful for donaters as they plead with corporate to also take part in the initiative.He also echoed that besides 2.5 million,BNOC intends to raise a total of 5.5 million including the SMS campaign rather than banking on the 15 million government grant.

"We welcome corporate and individuals that are offering any form of support."Said Serufho.

The unlimited sms donation is powered by VIB mobile and open to all mobile networks by texting TeamBw to 16789 at a cost of 5pula.With the donation,the money is split 70/30 between BNOC and mobile networks then 80/20 between BNOC and VIB mobile respectively.
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The money raised from the campaign will be strictly channeled towards Tokyo 2020 team Botswana athletes and coaches preparations.