05 Mar 2024

Botswana International Greyhound Racers (BIGRS) and Desert Racers have launched dog and horse races in Kanye.

Speaking during the launch recently, Molebatsi Kemmonye from the District Commissioner’s office said the races were a great initiative, with the potential to positively change the lives of different stakeholders.

He highlighted that government supports such events and urged organisers to make use of various government programmes in place to grow the races.

Kemmonye said it was important for all the relevant stakeholders to work together in growing the races to greater heights.

“This event should attract participants from different countries, collaborate with various organisations to grow this event,” he said.

He explained that there were a lot of opportunities in dog and horse races value chains, such as breeding, training and feed production, which people may venture into.

Kanye District Mindset Change coach, Bakang Kooneeng said the event came at the right time.

She said mindset change was the only vehicle to assist the country in attaining Vision 2036 pillars and as such, she urged all to start thinking positively and doing things differently.

“Let us all have a positive mindset as that would take us forward. Let us stop doubting ourselves. You can achieve all that you positively set your mind on,” she added.

A representative from Desert Sands Riders Society, Methuel Ikgopoleng said the event would bring people together and keep the youth away from various social ills.

He said people used to travel to far away areas to enjoy races, thus he said they decided to host the event in the region.

He added that residents would benefit from the value chain such as training animals and feed production.

BIGRS’s marketing and public relations officer, Thatayaone Pule said the races had the potential to positively change lives and contribute to the local economy.

He said it was time for Ngwaketse residents to showcase their talents in various races. ENDS