Botswana sends strong squad to Region V marathon
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday June 22, 2017 16:29
The team left yesterday and has some of the country’s finest runners in Rapula Diphoko, Sylvester Koko, Sesebo Matlapeng, Onneile Dintwe and Onkemetse Selotate.
Botswana Athletics Association public relations officer, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the team was assembled at the 11th-hour because they were informed about the competition late.
Despite the late arrangement, Ramatshaba said the athletes have been active despite the little time they were brought together. The marathon is part of the celebration of Olympism and pan-Africanism in the region.
This regional marathon is one of its kind as it is the only one that draws together all 10-member countries; Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The marathon consist of a full marathon (42km) 10km, 5km and 5km fun-walk.
AUSC Region V projects and marketing manager, Siyabonga Sangweni said the event is still in its developmental stages, but the partnership between the three key organs of sport in each of the member countries is working.
The partnership brings together the Ministries of Sports, Sports Commissions and Councils together with the National Olympic Committee of a country to work together.
“The marathon encourages these three fundamental stakeholders to pull together in ensuring they build a solid tripartite alliance in developing sport in their country,” he said.
COSANOC general secretary, Tuelo Serufho said one of the visions of COSANOC and National Olympic Committees is to work seamlessly with any governmental structures in the country.
“The partnership with AUSC Region V on this programme cements this commitment because it put action on what we believe in. We are pleased to see this marathon grow from strength to strength and we know future host countries would be proud to be associated with this brand because it would grow to be a household brand in the sports calendar in the region,” Serufho said.