28 Jan 2015

Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) will host the first ever annual fun-filled Maun Marathon slated for Maun in July.

NCONGO serves as umbrella body for Ngamiland non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on matters related to sustainable social and economic development.

NCONGO chief executive officer, Monametsi Sokwe, thought it appropriate to hold an event of such magnitude in Maun, the hub of tourism which boasts of the mighty Okavango Delta, Tsodilo Hills, Lake Ngami, Thamalakane River and other rich tourist attractions.

He told a press conference this week that the event was part of their planned activities aimed at making a difference in the lives of the community through charity projects. He said the main objective of the event was to raise funds to assist underprivileged members of the community and to cultivate the culture of giving besides promoting healthy lifestyles. The event will further brand Botswana as a tourism destination of choice.

Sokwe said the event would be historic given it would catapult Maun into a sport tourism centre and place the village on the world map.

He said the event will further celebrate Ngamiland sportspersons who, for over the years, had raised the country’s flag high. He said they envisaged several organisations to participate in the event to drive their initiatives of corporate social responsibility.

He said one of their charity initiatives is to bring elderly people on board given that over the years support had been towards vulnerable children and people with disability only.

“Our focus this year will be on assisting the elderly and orphans. NCONGO recognises the need for an old age day care centre in Botswana and we intend to raise funds through proceeds from the marathon to construct an Old Age Centre in Maun, the first in Botswana,” he added.

Sokwe also said the race would provide the community with a platform to come together in a celebration that cut across social and economic barriers. The event will cater for all with activities such as a race for people living with disability, kids marathon, jumping castle. Race categories include 4km, 10km and 21km events.

NCONGO chief explained that currently they had not yet secured sponsorship for the event and appealed to potential sponsors to come on board. He said they anticipated the event to be a success as some companies had already welcomed the idea and pledged support.

For his part, event coordinator, Masunga Masunga, said the event was not meant for competition but to encourage people to take part in sport. He said a steering committee would be formed comprising government, private sector, media and some community representatives to work on the logistics. He said the committee would decide on routes.

Meanwhile, a statement from NCONGO indicates that mini marathons will be held in areas such as Seronga, Shakawe, Gumare and Sehithwa. 

Winners will be joined by other athletes across the country to participate in the grand finale in Maun. ENDS