17 Feb 2022

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will on Sunday host cross country national competition in Moshupa.

BAA vice president - administration, Oabona Theetso, said the last national event was held in 2020 in Serowe while the 2021 event penciled for Magotlhwane was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Theetso said time was now to revive cross country competitions so as to perform well just like track competitions.

He indicated that athletes qualified for the national cross country by virtue of having competed in at least two cross country events.

“We have had four events, two in the north and the other two in south, so those who participated in two or more competitions had qualified for the nationals,” he said. The event, he said, had four categories being juniors and seniors for men and women.

Top four athletes from each category would qualify for Africa cross country.

“They should all come prepared since performing well means representing the country in international events, world cross country event is also coming up around November in China,” BAA vice president said.

Theetso explained that Debswana sponsorship came at the right time anmd would assist efforts to grow cross country to greater heights.

He said they had been relying on funds from BNSC and World Athletics to host events, noting that track and field was expensive hence the sponsorship would be a great help in growing athletics, especially cross country which had not been having events for a long time.

BAA vice president noted that all those who would be attending the event should have vaccinated and should adhere to all COVID-19 protocols throughout the event.

“I urge people to come in large numbers, however they should understand that alcohol is not permitted since it will lead to people forgetting to follow covid protocols,” he added.
Meanwhile, track and field event would be held in Gaborone on Saturday. ENDS