Hello!
Namibian sunset in the Kalahari Desert
I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun. As I am writing my final blog post it is hard to believe that my time here is almost up. These last few months have been incredible. I’ve seen some amazing sights, taken part in some amazing experiences, and learned so much about the world and myself. Before I head home, I want to recap the last month I’ve had here, starting with a week-long trip to Namibia.
While Botswana is majority made up of the Tswana people, Namibia is made up of several different tribes all with their own languages. After driving around the country and sleeping under the stars, the beautiful and diverse landscape showcases how the country was able to cultivate multiple ways of life; with harsh conditions that would certainly make it difficult for one group to conquer the land.
Riding an ATV in the Namib Desert outside of Swakopmund, Namibia
The start of the trip showed me Kolmanskop, an abandoned diamond mining town that has been taken over by the desert. I went to Soussusvlei and the deadvlei where almost 1000-year-old trees refuse to decay from the lack of moisture. And finally, I rode an ATV over the dunes of the Namib Desert, a surreal place where the desert leads straight into the sea. There’s so much beauty in this country I truly cannot overstate it.
On the topic of the BLTAD project, we have completed the LTAD plan for Netball. The final product is thorough, easy to follow and feasible to pull off. The plan, if followed, should set up Botswana Netball for success in the future, based on an increase in overall participation and an increase in the development of athletes across the board. The next steps for Botswana Netball include beginning the implementation of the LTAD plan, as well as increasing funding by diversifying revenue streams.
At the first coaching clinic for the 2023 Netball World Cup Legacy Project
Other than the LTAD project, we have been busy at the BNOC office preparing Team Botswana for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Our preparations have included running multiple events leading up to the games and putting together team kit packages for all of the athletes.
Reflecting on my time here I am humbled to have been a part of this program and the opportunities it has given me. This trip was challenging and tested me in ways I hadn’t been tested before but I feel as though I am coming out of it a stronger, more well-rounded individual. This time has gone by so quickly, but I am forever grateful that I was fortunate enough to be presented with this opportunity. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Botswana National Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Sport Canada, Mount Royal University, the Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program and the Rideau Hall Foundation for their support, and making this trip happen.
Go siame,
Eric