Whilst in Botswana, NBA players and representatives held a dedication ceremony for a newly built basketball court that was handed over to the Botswana National Youth Council. It was followed by fitness and basketball clinic for sixty (60) young people drawn from ACHAP supported Pledge 25 programme to promote healthy, active and safe lifestyles among the participants.
Pledge 25 is an HIV prevention initiative that encourages Botswana youth to maintain their HIV negative status by committing to donate blood 25 times in order to help replenish the much needed safe blood in the national blood supply. The dedication ceremony was graced by the Assistant Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Hon. Oliphant Mfa.
The BNYC was chosen because of its dedication in developing programs of significance to young people thus creating a sustained and enabling environment that will empower the youth in all aspects of human development including sports. Through their tireless advocacy efforts, BNYC has made sure that young people in Botswana are fully engaged and informed on a wide range of development and educational issues which include HIV\AIDS.
Later in the day, NBA players hosted an HIV/AIDS awareness event where they spent time with young people from CEYOHO and YOHO to share their stories on how HIV/AIDS has impacted their lives.
Later on in the evening ACHAP hosted a dinner in honor of the players bringing together high ranking officials from the Health, Education, and Sport sectors. The US Ambassador to Botswana, her Excellency Katherine Canavan was also present to deliver a vote of thanks for the initiative. Minister of Health Professor Sheila Tlou was the Guest Speaker. The dinner gave the key stakeholders present the opportunity to interact with the players and discuss future possible collaborations.
The Botswana visit came at the conclusion of the NBA Basketball without Borders camp which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 6th – 10th September 2006.