Africa-Press – Botswana. Werda Athletics Club is making significant strides in unearthing, identifying, and nurturing athletic talent within Kgalagadi District through its grassroots athletics competitions.
Speaking during the compeitions held in Werda on Saturday, Tsabong District council secretary Mosimanegape Mogorosi implored community leaders and stakeholders to champion such initiatives.
He highlighted its ‘great potential to help us deal with social ills afflicting young people,’ noting its capacity to produce high class athletes, reduce indiscipline, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and create employment opportunities for youth.
Tshepiso Kashiwa, founder and chairperson of the club said that the primary goal of the competitions was to discover and develop promising athletes.
She said that Werda Athletics Club takes a unique approach to identify talent; accepting all athletes who demonstrated passion and love for athletics, not just the winners.
She said that athletes receive training, technical guidance, and ongoing nourishment of their talent; daily training programmes and camps. While scholarships are not yet available, athletes have opportunities to enrol at Matsheng and Shoshong Brigade, and Lizer Tutorials provides free tuition, benefiting two athletes so far.
While any able-bodied individual is eligible, the club specifically targets athletes aged 10 to 29 who show potential to join the club she explained. she pointed out that the featured events include various distances: Open Categories for 1km, 3km, and 5km; U9 for 60m and 150m; U16 for 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay; and U18-Senior for 100m, 200M, 400m, 800m, 4x100m, and 4x400m.
To ensure fair play and accurate results, the club engages primary school teachers to help categorise athletes by age, allowing them to compete against peers.
Although the club has not yet produced national or international athletes, they acknowledge two senior athletes, Boikobo Ntshwakge and Thato Kelailwe, who represented them at the BOTESSA finals.
Kashiwa emphasised the significant untapped talent in Kgalagadi, often overlooked due to limited resources and geographical location.
Despite these challenges, the club is committed to helping children realise their dreams.
She urged organisations and businesses to assist, highlighting that such projects can help reduce social ills like defilement, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Further, she said that the competitions were envisioned to bring national and international recognition to Kgalagadi District, highlighting its talent and attracting investors.
They also create business opportunities for the local community in Werda and beyond, allowing them to sell products and offer services.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
