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Councillors welcome Gaya Lecho initiative

02 Jun 2015

Letlhakeng sub-district councillors have expressed their support for Gaya Lecho, an initiative aimed at uplifting the economy and image of the area through sports tourism.

Briefing the Letlhakeng sub-council session recently, the organisation representative, Moeti Godisamang said their main focus was in sports because they had realised that youth from the area were not visible in the national teams across all sports codes.

 “We have only had Eric Molebatsi for the Zebras as well as Boiphemelo Selagaboy at athletics, but apart from these two, no one else from the area has ever represented the country in any sport at the national team level, be it volleyball, karate or anything,” he said.

Godisamang also decried the fact that the area had no notable team participating at the highest level, something which, he said, made the chance of ushering the youths to the national teams even slimmer.

He, however, said the area took solace in that outside the sport field, some youth in the area have been active in sports administration, citing Mr Kgosana Masaseng who is at the helm of Footballers Union Botswana.

Such potential, he added, has led them to take a decision to form the organisation and uplift the region. Gaya Lecho is an initiative by the youth from various villages across the Letlhakeng sub district.

Godisamang was however, content that one component of their organisation, the annual Letlhakeng marathon has been successful so far, and would be included in the Botswana Athletics Association calendar.

“We have already liaised with bogosi to assist us in coupling sport with tourism by identifying a cultural site as a finishing point for this marathon. This will then go a long way in making our culture known outside our region,” he said.

He said they intend to invite seasoned athletes so that the youth in the area could be inspired, adding that they had been successful so far, as Kabo Gabaseme graced the marathon.

“We are also impressed by the attendance of athletes from outside the region, which has been increasing annually. Athletics clubs from as far as Maun, Francistown and Letlhakane have taken part in our marathon,” he said.

Mr Godisamang said the other objective of the initiative is to instill tribal harmony between different tribal groups in the area.

 He however, decried lack of sponsorship, saying since its inception, the marathon survived through good Samaritans.

He urged councilors to assist them attract sponsorships and publicise the organisation.

Commenting, councilor for Salajwe, Mr Lopang Sebutlenyane said the organisation would hopefully assist in diverting the youth from alcohol abuse, and encouraged the pioneers to aggressively market it.

Cllr Tshabahule Kgotlhang of Ditshegwane/Maboane also appreciated the Gaya Lecho initiative, saying it was encouraging to see the youth eager to promote and put their area on the national map. Ends

Source : BOPA

Author : Olekantse Sennamose

Location : Letlhakeng

Event : Council session

Date : 02 Jun 2015