07 Feb 2023

Lefika International Relays, to be hosted by the Lefika Athletics Club, will see Botswana and regional athletes competing in preparation for the World Athletics Championships qualifiers.

Speaking at the relays launch  in Gaborone yesterday, Local Organising Committee (LOC)chairperson, Moses Bantsi, said the event was scheduled for April 1.

This will also be an opportunity to showcase Botswana’s hospitality as well as boost the tourism industry.

“This is done in an effort to give athletes chance to qualify for major world competitions as in most times Africa offers little to no opportunities. This always compels athletes to seek better offers overseas, including Europe where they can attain qualifications,” Bantsi said.

So far, he said, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Namibia and Kenya have confirmed their participation.

Bantsi said the relays would be used as a yardstick for World Athletics Championships qualifications, which will be held from August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary and the Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

“The track events will include, amongst others, 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x200m, 4x800m for both men and women, 4x400m men and women visually impaired, mixed relays,100m huddles women, 110 huddles men, 400 hurdles men and women and 3000m steeple chase men, “ he said.

The visually impaired athletes will also have opportunity to showcase their talent.

During the Malawi AUSC Region 5 Games, Bantsi said, the visually impaired won gold medals, adding this was a clear indication that if given chance,  they could make the country proud. ENDS