Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has launched the National Sports Raffle Draw Initiative, a new funding model aimed at creating sustainable financial support for sports development while giving Basotho an opportunity to win cash and other prizes.
Launched last week at Avani Lesotho under the slogan “Play Smart, Win Big,” the initiative is expected to provide funding for athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and sports infrastructure through a citizen-driven model.
According to the LSRC, participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including weekly cash rewards, with major draws scheduled to take place every Friday.
The commission has partnered with Imajin and Fusion Lesotho (IFL), which will design, implement and manage the raffle.
Participation in the raffle has been designed to be accessible to members of the public. Basotho can enter through the official LSRC website, download the Lesotho Sports Raffle application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or dial *320# and follow the instructions using any network in Lesotho.
Speaking at the launch, LSRC President Baba Malephane said the idea of establishing a national sports raffle had been in existence for more than two decades but had never been implemented.
“The idea has been there for over 20 years. The people who came up with it are no longer alive, but the governments of the time did not buy into it,” Malephane said.
He thanked the current government for allowing the initiative to finally become a reality.
Malephane said funds generated through the raffle would be directed towards sports infrastructure, athlete development, administration and coaching.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would help address the financial challenges that have limited the country’s sporting potential.
“It has been proven that we have talent, but we have lacked resources – both infrastructure and finances. In the next two to three years, we will see more medals and trophies coming into the country because we will have the resources,” he said.
Imajin and Fusion Lesotho Chief Executive Officer Arnold Asante said the initiative was developed around the idea of combining people’s desire to win with the need to finance sports development.
“Our question was simple: how can we create a sustainable source of revenue for sports development by harnessing something that people already understand and already participate in?” Asante said.
He said the raffle would allow ordinary Basotho to compete for meaningful prizes while contributing to the growth of sport in the country.
Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture MputiMputi said the initiative had come at an important time as Lesotho celebrates its 60th Independence anniversary.
He said government viewed sport as an important tool for youth development, healthy lifestyles, talent development, employment, social cohesion and national pride.
“To achieve all this, we need partnerships and innovative ways of broadening the resources available to our athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and communities,” Mputi said.
He called on Basotho, the private sector and other stakeholders to support the National Sports Raffle.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane said the initiative would provide another avenue for the country to invest in the talent, aspirations and future of Basotho through sport.
He said sport had grown beyond competition and recreation to become an industry capable of creating employment, supporting businesses and contributing to economic development.
“It fosters discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork, strengthens communities and promotes a culture of peace,” Matekane said.
The Prime Minister encouraged Basotho to support the initiative and allow the sporting fraternity to take a leading role in driving its success.
Summary
- Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has launched the National Sports Raffle Draw Initiative, a new funding model aimed at creating sustainable financial support for sports development while giving Basotho an opportunity to win cash and other prizes.
- Basotho can enter through the official LSRC website, download the Lesotho Sports Raffle application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or dial *320# and follow the instructions using any network in Lesotho.
- He said the raffle would allow ordinary Basotho to compete for meaningful prizes while contributing to the growth of sport in the country.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
