The President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has announced a half-day public holiday to honour Letsile Tebogo, who made history as the first athlete from the country to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
This is contained in a press release dated August 9, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary to the President, Emmah A. Peloetletse.
The President announced that all citizens and residents of Botswana would enjoy an afternoon off on Friday, August 9, 2024, to celebrate Tebogo’s remarkable achievement at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tebogo secured his place in history by winning the men’s 200m gold medal on Thursday after defeating highly rated American Noah Lyles and others.
Tebogo makes history as the first Motswana and African to win this esteemed title, bringing unparalleled pride and joy to Botswana. His triumph has sparked a national celebration, with the President recognizing his achievement through a countrywide commemoration.
The statement reads: “His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, “Botswana’s Sensation”, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th August, 2024.
“The decision has been duly made to recognise and honour Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics. Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic.
“Accordingly, His Excellency President Masisi, wishes to state that, on behalf of all of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother.”
Meanwhile, dozens of Nigerian athletes are still struggling to get a medal for their country in the ongoing Olympics events in Paris.
