Message from GAME MOTHIBI, TIAS 5th batch alumni

I’m a Senior Manager at TAFISA (The Association for International Sport for All) responsible for programmes and partnerships.
● Affiliations including department, industry
– Sport for All (Sport and Physical Activity)
● Job title
– Senior Manager at TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All) based in Frankfurt, Germany

I have over 20 years of experience in sport leadership and management. My expertise extends to both national and international sports organizations. I am dedicated to promoting Sport for All, safe sports, human rights, and inclusion policies, and advocating for gender equality in sports.

I have proudly served as a member of the Expert Reference Group for the MOOC on using sports for social and economic development. I have played a critical role in revising the UNESCO Charter on Sport, Physical Education, and Physical Activity as part of a task team. Additionally, as a CIGEPS member and Secretary General of IWG, I have been instrumental in creating the Global Observatory of Women and Sport.

I am deeply committed to promoting women’s participation in sports and advocating for their advancement on a global scale. As a Head of the IWG Botswana Secretariat from 2014-2018, a Global Executive member of IWG New Zealand from 2018-2022, and the current Africa Representative for IWG UK (2022-2026), I have gained extensive experience driving gender and inclusion policies within the sports industry. Along with co-founding Women Sport Africa Network (WSAN) and serving as Treasurer of Women Sport International, I have undertaken numerous initiatives to empower women and girls, such as introducing the MEMPROW mentorship program for girls aged 13-19 in Botswana and providing leadership training to women in sports in Botswana and the region. I co-lead Wecho Trust, a Sport for Social Impact Organisation, and I’m working on implementing the Ubuntu Mentorship programme for girls in Sport in Africa. I aim to guide the organizations I work with toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, inclusive, equal, and human rights-centered governance.

I have a Master of Arts in Sports and Olympic Studies, majoring in Sport for Development, from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Botswana.

 

* TIAS education. (How does it apply to my current work, research, and life?)
– Thanks to my Master’s degree program at TIAS, I secured an international job and became recognized as an experienced sports management and development leader. The practical skills I gained through the program and my experience as a teacher for 5 years have allowed me to excel in my career and run a successful consultancy, Sport Management Agency, where we offer leadership and management training and coach numerous leaders across various sectors, maximizing their performance and facilitating workshops and seminars for over 200 individuals in government, associations, and corporations.
Through TIAS, I was exposed to the myriad of opportunities offered by Japan’s hosting of the 2020 Olympic Games. As a fortunate Olympic Broadcasting Services team member during the event, I gained valuable knowledge and expanded my circle of acquaintances. I proudly became the first Motswana from my nation to work in this prestigious event, and my story was featured in my country’s media, thus bringing attention to my profile.
The Sport for Development module at TIAS helped me co-found Wecho Trust, an organization making a positive social impact in the disadvantaged community of Kareng. This module has also been instrumental in my work at TAFISA, where I focus on promoting Sport for All and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. My education and experience have significantly prepared me to impact the sports industry and beyond.
I felt fortunate to have my daughter, Abale, alongside me throughout my academic journey. My daughter’s presence was crucial to my successful learning, and she had the chance to attend a Japanese school and fully immerse herself in the beautiful Japanese culture. The knowledge and experiences she gained have positively impacted her, and she is hoping to return one day.
TIAS went above and beyond to help me relocate my daughter so that she could join me. I had outstanding supervisors in Shimizu Sensei and Tian Sensei, who supported my personal and professional development. Shimizu Sensei gave me opportunities to pitch my ideas and provided valuable advice. Additionally, my classmates were incredibly supportive, and they have become lifelong friends who are always willing to lend a helping hand whenever I need it.
Through my studies in Japan, I established a valuable connection with the Japanese Embassy in my country. As a result, upon my return, I had the opportunity to participate in embassy projects and programs. I shared my experiences in Japan and was invited to various Japanese embassy events.

Message to future TIAS students!
– When it comes to achieving your career goals, TIAS offers a wide range of modules. Take the time to consider which module aligns best with your aspirations. Through TIAS, you can also gain hands-on experience through internships, which can set you on the path to success. Furthermore, remember to take advantage of the vast network of individuals in the sports industry that TIAS provides access to. By reaching out and making connections, you can unlock valuable opportunities for your future.