10/10/2026
BoBA PRESIDENT’S SPEECH
Mr. Dirang Thipe
Botswana Police College, Otse
Gender-Based Violence Awareness Boxing Tournament
10 October 2026
Protocol observed.
Good morning, distinguished guests, representatives of the Botswana Police Service, members of the boxing fraternity, athletes, coaches, officials, and members of the community.
Today, we gather for a purpose greater than boxing. We are here to use the power of sport to confront one of our society’s most pressing challenges: gender-based violence.
As the Botswana Boxing Association, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond developing champions in the ring. We must also contribute to building responsible citizens and safer communities.
Let me be clear: violence is not strength, silence is not a solution, and gender-based violence must never be tolerated.
We all have a responsibility to speak out, support survivors, report abuse, and challenge the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to persist. Our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities must be places of safety, dignity, and respect.
I call upon our athletes, especially our young people, to become ambassadors for this message. Let the discipline we practise in boxing be reflected in how we treat others. Let our strength be measured not by how hard we can strike, but by how courageously we stand against injustice.
I commend Botswana Police Boxing Club and all stakeholders who have made this initiative possible. Your partnership demonstrates what we can achieve when sport and community institutions unite behind a common cause.
Beyond this tournament, we value our relationship with the Botswana Police. You remain a key stakeholder in our boxing, and we applaud you for being valuable members of our boxing community and for taking a leading role in owning boxing with purpose.
I also call upon all our 17 partner clubs to bring forth initiatives that help develop and promote the sport of boxing.
As we enjoy today’s bouts, let us remember that the real victory will be measured by the conversations we start, the attitudes we change, and the actions we take long after this tournament ends.
Together, let us break the silence, stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a Botswana free from gender-based violence.
I wish all our boxers the very best. May we compete with discipline, respect, and sportsmanship, while carrying a message that is far bigger than the ring.
Thank you.
Our Boxing. Our Pride.
