10 Mar 2024

North West District Council leadership has been implored to consider converting the chairman’s charity walk into a marathon to lure the ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture to probably sponsor the activity.

The council initiative was appreciated for its ability to augment the government efforts towards assisting the less privileged society, and also the potential to promote sport tourism.

Assistant Minister Buti Billy, who was the chief walker, said at the chairman’s 20km charity walk themed walk for health, walk for wealth on Saturday.

The walk, organised by the council, sought to raise funds towards resuscitation of the chairman’s fund. Its primary purpose is to assist during emergency situations in the district such as disaster occurrences and other needs.

He said by making it bigger, it would attract more attention of visitors both locally, regionally and internationally to influx the tourism town of Maun and eventually improve the local economy.

“This is a brilliant idea and turning it in a marathon can make it bigger and better and eventually diversify the tourism product offered in the area,” he said. “Sport tourism is one area that we need to explore as a country.”

Mr Billy hailed the council for promoting a society where sporting values were respected and where everyone has the chance to lead a healthy and active life through the charity walk.

He appreciated that the walk had more personal benefits, citing that it was not only meant to raise funds to assist the needy society but it also promoted physical fitness among the participants.

He added: “I am impressed with the initiative and the turn up of participants. This is an indication that Batswana value the importance of becoming physically fit to carry out their duties with agility.”

Nowadays, he said, physical fitness was the way to go. He  advised the council to cater for projects that promoted sport, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle when doing development plans.

The council, he said, should cater for people who participate in cycling, jogging and even pedestrians by ensuring that they are safe in using roads.

Assistance Minister Billy said being physically active could improve mental health and help manage chronic illnesses.

He said government took a decision to construct sport facilities across the country to promote fitness and sport in general, noting that sport had the potential to create jobs.

Promoting physical fitness, he said, could encourage an active lifestyle and supports a positive work-life balance. Mr Billy also thanked other council chairmen and mayors for gracing the charity walk, saying he believed that they came to support and benchmark.

Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng, the chairperson of the North West District Council, thanked the assistant minister and his counterparts for gracing the event saying together, they could make a huge difference in the livelihoods of the communities they serve.

He also acknowledged the sponsors of the event, social clubs, safari companies and all participants for playing a big role towards the success of the charity walk.

 He said their participation would not only improve their own well-being but would also make a positive difference in the lives of the community.

“Your participation in the charity event has demonstrated your commitment to social causes and community and I encourage you to join forces with us to ensure the fund accumulates more money and serve the purpose,” he added. Ends