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Following the success story of the African Youth Games in 2014, Botswana have expressed confidence that capital city Gaborone will host a successful Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2022.
The city is one of three currently being inspected by an IOC panel headed by Youth Olympic associate director Antoine Goetschy and veteran former Olympic Games executive director, Gilbert Felli.
Botswana National Olympic Committee chief executive Tuelo Serufho cited the 2014 continental-wide youth event, which was attended by IOC President Thomas Bach in 2014, as a major selling point.
He said that "Government has invested quite heavily in sport infrastructure over the last two decades, such that we already have in place facilities for most sports that generally feature on the programme of the Youth Olympic Games.
IOC President Thomas Bach attended the 2014 African Youth Games in Gabarone
"Our Games would probably be among the most compact Olympic Games ever held, as our identified Games Village is literally a few minutes walk to many of the sport facilities and hotels; creating great convenience for athletes, officials and other delegates, in addition to reducing logistical headaches as well as costs."
Botswana are highlighting their stability and economic success in recent years in comparison with other cities on the continent.
Nigeria's capital Abuja and Dakar in Senegal have also been inspected by the IOC.
A Tunisian bid has been put on hold by the IOC until they have taken steps to end restrictions on Israeli athletes competing at events in the country.
The IOC decided earlier this year to actively pursue what should be the first-ever African host for any form of the Olympic Games.
It is hoped the 2022 Games could pave the way for an eventual Summer Olympics in Africa.
A host will be chosen at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires in October.
This will take place before this year's Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina's capital, from October 6 and 18.
Courtesy: insidethegames.
