Africa-Press – Botswana. The organiser of the fourth edition of Paje 200km off-road motorbike race says they will use the fun-filled sporting event not only to promote motosport only, but to also promote tourism and derive other means of diversifying drivers of the economy.
This was said by organiser and Director of Kokoro Feedlot and Campsite, Fankie Kokoro, who added that preparations for the event billed for August 29-30 were at an advanced stage.
The highly competitive motorbike race, organised in partnership with Botswana Motor Sport, will be held at Kokoro Feedlot near Paje.
In an interview, Kokoro, promised that the fourth edition race would for the first time include racing cars.
“The motorbikes will compete in the 200km race while the racing cars will do the 250km. There will be junior riders, aged 8-10 years doing 10km,” he said.
He said the event would attract local riders as well as developing interest for those in other countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Currently, over 60 bikes and over 12 racing cars have shown interest in the race,” said Kokoro.
Laying down the route, Kokoro said the starting point would be Paje, going through Serowe and finishing at Paje adding that the race would traverse a not so easy route as the riders would be going through the bush, rocky terrain and crossing water streams.
Therefore, he said the riders and motorists would have fun and enjoy the route terrain.
Kokoro said the guest rider would be former president and Kgosi Khama IV of Ba-Gammangwato, who would be joined by other local dignitaries.
He said the first day of the event, would include a cultural night, where the guests including the riders and motorists, would enjoy the traditional song and dance and would close off with a music festival on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Paje deputy chief, Moses Bakoko said motosport event provided ample opportunities with the potential to grow tourism.
“Apart from the economic benefits and sportsmanship, motorcycle race fosters a sense of community and togetherness. It brings together different people under a common passion for the sport,” he said.
He said the sporting event would equally uplift the village profile as it was the case with events such as Khawa Dune Challenge, urging the community to take advantage of such a platform.
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