Mmadinare Xmas race to honour Kedikilwe

Onalenna Kelebeile | Friday December 19, 2014 09:18

 

Apparently, “PHK” as Kedikilwe is affectionately called has been the marathon sponsor since 1989. The committee chairperson Moses Raphutshe has said that this year’s race is also meant to celebrate its 25 years of existence without fail thanks to the immense support from the former vice president.

Mmadinare Xmas Race has grown tremendously since 1989 to be recognised by the Botswana Athletics Association. Raphutshe said the race that takes place on the December 25 usually attracts more than 400 runners from all over Botswana and across the border.

“We have turned our adversity to our advantage as we look forward to become a more professionally managed race,” he added.

He added that it is a great honour for the constituency of Mmadinare to bid Kedikilwe farewell for his contribution.

He was glad that Saverite Supermarket has now taken over the sponsorship of the race alongside Mascom, A1, Comsoft as well as Mr and Mrs Molapise.

He said the new sponsors have managed to raise P30, 000 for the event. He added that preparations are well underway and that registration is ongoing at Saverite Supermarket in Mmadinare.  Registration fee is P20 and all people are free to register.

Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Thapelo Olopeng will be the guest speaker, while Botswana National Sports Council chairman Solly Reikeletseng and Botswana Athletics Association president Moses Bantsi are expected to grace the occasion. The 10-kilometre race starts at Mmadinare kgotla at 630 am.

There will also be a 5 kilometre race as well as a 3kilometre one for juniors between 10 and 14 years. 

Raphutshe said their challenge was that they did not have a permanent corporate sponsor as Kedikilwe bankrolled the event from his own pocket . “We are glad that this time Saverite has taken over,” he added.

The LOC prides itself with the fact that the race has managed to produce renowned athletes like Raobene Ramoseka, Kaelo Mosalagae as well as Rapula Diphoko who has proved to be a force to reckon with. 

Diphoko has been representing Botswana in some international competitions. Junior female athletes such as Khumo and Kenewang White have also been performing exceptionally well and even represented the country during the last Botswana Games.