World Relays: Billions Letsile Tebogo’s Botswana Will Spend to Host Noah Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson and Co

While the excitement builds for the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, the significant financial investment required to stage the global event is coming into focus.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been actively securing funds to meet a budget that has swelled to P153 million (Ksh1.45 billion)

Last week, the LOC received a major boost with a P16 million (Ksh152 million) sponsorship from Debswana Mining Company. This was followed by another P5 million (Ksh47.5 million) contribution from Stanbic Bank Botswana last Tuesday.

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These companies join a list of founding sponsors that includes Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC), Halfway Toyota, and Diamond College of Botswana.

Moses Bantsi, CEO of the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone, explained that the initial budget projected by World Athletics was between P96 million (Ksh912 million) and P104 million (Ksh988 million). However, unforeseen costs, particularly the renovation of the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium, pushed the total to P153 million.

"The government provided some funding, which initially reduced our deficit to P47 million," Bantsi said as per Mmegi. "Thanks to the sponsorships we've received, including in-kind contributions, that deficit has now dropped to P27 million."

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to essential services and infrastructure. This includes a P22 million (Ksh209 million) power integration project, anti-doping procedures, stadium works, and the procurement of tents. Other major expenses cover accommodation and meals for 1,600 delegates, apparel, medals, and the official opening ceremony.

Furthermore, the LOC is responsible for covering the return airfares for 350 athletes and officials. The budget also includes a P300,000 (Ksh2.8 million) payment to Dentsu Inc., the exclusive global marketing and broadcasting partner for World Athletics.

Broadcasting rights have also been a major expenditure. It is understood that the Gaborone secretariat paid approximately US$625,000 (around P8.5 million or Ksh80.7 million) to World Athletics for the rights, which were then secured for Botswana Television (BTV).

With funding now more secure, Bantsi highlighted the need to address other logistical challenges. "It is up to us as a country to host the event successfully. Roads should be maintained, streets cleaned, and security must be top-level," he stated. "We previously lacked funds to brand the city and market the event, but that will now change."

The recent Lefika International Relays served as a crucial test event, allowing organisers to assess their readiness. Bantsi expressed satisfaction with the trial run, noting it was a valuable opportunity to evaluate technical officials. Despite a minor hiccup in the mixed 4x100m relay, which was quickly corrected, he remains confident.

The stakes are high, as the times recorded at the World Athletics Relays, set to take place from May 2-3, will serve as qualifiers for major upcoming competitions, including the Africa Senior Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the 2027 World Athletics Championships.

Besides Botswana star boy Letsile Tebogo, some of the world’s top sprinters like Noah Lyles, Kishame Thompson, Ferdinand Omanyala and Sha’Carri Richardson are expected to grace the World Relays Championships in Gaborone.