Africa-Press – Botswana. It is critical to unearth new sport talents and push for more intensified competitions across the globe.
Ghanzi District Council Chairperson, Thabiso Kebadile made the remarks during the first memorable launch of Qabo Marathon held at Qabo on Friday.
The marathon attracted the young and able bodied lads of the settlement who participated in 5km and 10km races respectively.
Kebadile explained that the marathon was organised by Ghanzi Athletics Club in partnership with Ghanzi constituency office, with the aim of unearthing talents amongst the youth found across the length and breadth of Ghanzi district.
He said the marathon activities and other sporting disciplines served as a vehicle to empower the youth to use their natural talents for self-sustenance and self-growth.
Kebakile noted that there would be a continued series of marathon activities across other settlements in the district, paving way for the preparation of the upcoming Ghanzi 44km marathon race and other activities.
He further applauded the Ghanzi Athletics Club for their unwavering commitment by mobilising communities and called for more sponsors on board to ensure that they collaboratively revive athletic sport in the districts.
Moreover, he implored athletes to also draw their inspiration from Botswana’s well decorated 200m sprinter Letsile Tebogo and other promising athletes to perfect their skills.
On other issues, Kebakile challenged them to display a high level of discipline by paying attention to their overall health as he urged them to engage in moderate trainings and proper nutrition.
For his part, Ministry Of Youth and Gender Affairs district coordinator Odiretsemang Molao, applauded the initiative as he said it would significantly contributes to their continuous efforts to unearth talents among the youth residing in economically challenged areas.
He said the activities would go a long way in shaping the youths to change their mindsets and witness the reality of making a living out of their natural talents,
Molao said that would reduce the widening gap of unemployment besieging the country.
Ghanzi Athletics Club representative, Keodiretse Seretse, emphasised that the aim was to give local athletes the opportunity to showcase their natural talents that could be honed and subsequently get them more exposure.
Seretse also said they were committed to groom the athletes, and to ensure continuity and growth they would liaise with highly established athletics clubs which are affiliated to Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) to take them under their wings for stunning exposure.
Meanwhile, Qabo Marathon 10km winner, Kakunda Mokataagae said he was delighted about the tough race, saying he had been participating in 5km races only but through moderate trainings the legs carried him to try his luck under the 10km race.
He also explained that he has been an active participant in sports during his schooling days and the idea to host marathon events in the district would inspire him to get back to the track and do what he knows best.
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