09 Sep 2015

Diacore Gaborone marathon has donated P1 million to 22 charitable organisations. The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila, who is the ambassador of the race, praised the effort put on by Diacore Gaborone Marathon.

“I remember the marathon as Phakalane marathon and it has grown over the years and now recognised as the Diacore marathon” said Mokaila.

The minister appreciated the growth of the race over the years, adding that it had transformed into a commendable race. Minister Mokaila said Diacore had since 2012, invested over P5 million in the race, adding that over P1.8 million was raised, which benefitted more than 44 various charities and special projects.

“We are going through a very tough time with our diamonds, but it is worth mentioning that we are appreciative of the commitment you have shown to the race by continuing being part of us,” commended Minister Mokaila.

He further said Diacore’s donations were a true testimony of a corporate social engagement by the organisation. He said diamond companies that invested in Botswana were always eager to be part of the community that they operated from and Diacore had since over the years been at the forefront in that regard. 

“People perceive this as a fun event, but for us it comes around as employment creation for others,” he said.

He explained that the race plays an integral part in one of Botswana’s three major economic sectors. From the tourism point of view, the minister said the race contributed to a significant growth in commercial accommodation business in Gaborone.

For his part, PGM foundation chairperson, Thola Magang who is a co-founder of Diacore marathon said in 2015 Diacore has increased its community investment in supporting the maitisong festival in hosting them on the marathon main stage with an audience of six thousand people.

“Never before in our wildest dreams, when teddy and I came up with this crazy idea of having a race in Gaborone thought that could actually one day be fit to be compared to other well established regional races let alone to raise such an amount of money,” he said

Magang said this year’s marathon raised P1 million towards various charitable courses, adding that the marathon has fielded positive results with regard to the local athletes’ participation.

“With approximately six thousand runners this year, over 39 nations participated from as far as Canada while six young Batswana men and women managed to attain podium positions,” he said.

Magang announced that next year’s Diacore marathon edition will be held on April 3, registration has already commenced and will end on November 14^th. Lady Khama Charitable Trust and Childline Botswana are some of the 22 beneficiaries. Ends