10 Mar 2024

Scattering the activations for the inaugural Sir Seretse Khama Commemoration Marathon across the country was fitting as it will mobilise participants for the marathon billed for June 29-30 in Serowe.

Such marathons should be embraced as sport tourism had the potential to cultivate the economy evidenced by the just ended FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon which generated wealth for Chobe District.

Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Beauty Manake, said when addressing dozens of runners that turned up for Sir Seretse Khama Commemoration Marathon activation in Kasane on Saturday.

The activation led by Manake took off with a 5km brisk walk and 10 km  run from Kasane to Kazungula and back.

Manake said marathons were essential in promoting fitness and good health and eradicate Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which were common in today’s lives.

She stressed that sport united Batswana which resonated well with the ideals of the founding President Sir Seretse Khama.

“Sport unites us as a nation and as we take part in these activations we get to interact, build and foster relationships which would go beyond the marathon in June.”

Ga-Mmangwato Regent, Serogola Seretse, said that the marathon aimed to celebrate the legacy of the first president and united Batswana as they celebrated Seretse’s birthday a day after the marathon.

He said it served as an opportunity for cultural exchange for Batswana to experience the feel and culture of Ga-Mmangwato during the two days event in June.

Kgosi Serogola called Batswana to support this noble call and register for the 5km, 10km and 21km run to ensure it was a success.

He thanked dikgosi for taking the lead in promoting this marathon, adding that their efforts had encouraged Batswana to be a united front and support the event.

In her welcome remarks, Kgosi Rebecca Banika of Pandamatenga said the marathon captured the true essence of founding President Khama to build a nation that was deeply rooted on culture.

“Our culture is our identity and it deserves to be preserved as an ode to Sir Seretse Khama whose noble words we quote everyday that a nation without culture is a lost nation.”

She said it was imperative for Batswana to celebrate and be proud of their own heroes and put them on pedestal because they deserved all the recognition.

Kgosi Banika reminded Batswana to guard and preserve their culture jealously and uphold the core values of botho. ENDS