Former track star urges students to emulate Amos

SHINGIRAI MADONDO
Correspondent | Monday August 19, 2013 00:00

 

Speaking at Masunga Senior Secondary School on Thursday, he said sportspeople should take sports seriously like the runner, who made history last year by winning Botswana's first Olympic medal, a silver in his specialty. Addressing students during a medal awards ceremony, Masheto said sports has been modernised and has become a source of livelihood.He said Amos has become an instant world star because of sports and students should take sports seriously and be like the runner.

'It is expensive to be on a plane. But Amos is always on the plane because of sports,' said Masheto to a dead silent gathering.Amos hails from Marobela village, near Masunga.Masheto made a name for himself as a track star during his three-year stay at the University of Illinois in Chicago, United States. The former runner is now a Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) youth development officer for North East. He set several records on foreign soil but his promising career was cut short following an injury suspected to be a meniscus tear.

He said the achievements made by the country's middle distance runners are expected to motivate aspiring athletes. He said following Amos' footsteps will help students to be physically fit. He said showing sports potential would earn students scholarship to study sports development abroad.Masunga was celebrating its team that participated at this year's Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) finals in Gaborone a few weeks ago. Masunga was crowned soccer champions after beating Seepapitso 1-0.The school's rugby and netball teams are among the top five in the country. Masunga has good karatekas and tennis players. It has vowed to perform better in the next edition of the BISA games.