The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the unauthorized use of Olympic properties by various corporations and individuals in Botswana. In a recent press release, BNOC emphasized its responsibility for promoting elite sports and upholding Olympic ideals in the country. As the sole custodian of Olympic properties in Botswana, the BNOC stressed the importance of protecting these assets, which include the Games, Olympic symbols, the Olympic rings, and Olympians.
The issue arose with the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. The BNOC noted that some entities have shown a keen interest in advertising using Team Botswana and/or individual member athletes of the team. However, such activities contravene Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter. This rule prohibits athletes competing in the Games from allowing their name, image, or sporting performance to be used in advertising during a “blackout period” without the explicit permission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Furthermore, the use of Olympic intellectual properties for commercial purposes by non-Olympic partners is strictly forbidden.
Key properties that should not be used in advertising without IOC permission, through the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), include:
- The Olympic rings, mascots, and symbols of the Games
- The name of the hosting city and the year “Paris 2024”
- The BNOC logo
- The Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” or “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”
- Words like “Olympic,” “Olympian,” “Olympiad” (and similar variations)
- Images and footage of the Games
- The name “Team Botswana”
- Likeness and images (still or moving) of Team Botswana athletes
- Any other symbols, designs, words, or works that could be confused with the above
The BNOC has urged all corporations and individuals who have been unduly advertising with Team Botswana athletes, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and IOC properties to cease and desist from such activities immediately. The committee warned that failure to comply could result in legal action.
For any inquiries, the BNOC can be contacted at 3918944 or [email protected].
