Dumela Everyone,
When in Gaborone expect the unexpected and it will lead you down an amazing path of adventures.Two months have already flown by with many adventures and new friends made.Though the time is flying by the way of life in Gabs is very relaxed and a nice break from the crazy hustle back home.
Paul and I have almost completed all the Tennis framework for the BTA (Botswana Tennis Association) while also working on BRU (Botswana Rugby Union) framework, implementation guide and concussion management. Over this past month we have met many important personal in the Botswana sports community; Tapiwa Marobela a former Botswana tennis player and who is now a development officer in South Africa for the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and Lynn Warburden the manager of the Hogs Rugby Club. Both women have amazing passion and drive for the sports they are currently developing and involved in, it was so amazing to meet and now work along side them. Paul and I have been able to help the BRU by implementing a First Responder and Concussion Management program. We have both used our research on the World Rugby website and prior knowledge we learned from school to help assist us with this program giving the BRU the most accurate information. While creating this program we were able to meet with Patrick Proctor who is a local paramedic in Gabs, medical and first aid teacher/company owner and medical volunteer for the BRU on occasions. We were able to bounce our ideas off him to create a realistic program for the clubs and coaches giving them the most optimal program with the resources they have. Just this weekend we were invited to watch a rugby tournament at the Jaguars Rugby club by the BRU development manager Zee. It was an completely different from what Paul and I expected, the tournament was filled with music, great socialization and even live music and cheers from the crowd. It was a great tournament for Paul and I to attend, it opened our eyes to how much love there is for rugby here in Botswana.
Living in Gabs for two months has been absolutely wonderful, we have gone on so many amazing adventures with our new friends and also adopting a new roommate into our humble home from Germany. Chris has fit right into our Canadian family and has been on many of our adventures with us! We ventured out camping to the Limpopo river which boarders South Africa with our friend Alex and his father for a weekend and wow was it ever a sight to see.
We also had a wild visit from the other Canadian SportWORKS officers (Carly and Narissa) who are now back in Swaziland. We showed the girls our local hangout spots like Bull an Bush, Sanita Tea Garden, Kgale Hill and Gaborone Dam where we were able to go paddle boarding with the girls. We enjoyed the girls visit as there were many unexpected adventures throughout the weekend which lead to great friendships and travel plans being made. From playing lawn bowls to watching the sunrises at the dam, Gaborone has truly stolen my heart I could not be more in love with atmosphere here!I am so thankful every day to wake up in such an amazing place.
Go Siame,
Savannah