- State of children in RAD hostels inspired the charity marathon
- Organisers Fani and Madisa say children become vulnerable to NCDs sans fitness
Organised by Fan’Mo Sports Agency founders in Martin Fani and Moagi Madisa, will see children aged between 3 and 4 years taking part in a walkathon, 5 to 8-year olds in a 1.5km race, 9 to 12-year olds in a 3km race and those aged between 13 and 15 years participating in a 5km race.
Fani and Madisa say the marathon is a non-competitive fitness and wellness activation for children and a philanthropic cause that aims to collect and donate 500 shoes to underprivileged children in various parts of Botswana. “Our extensive travel around the country sparked this brainchild idea particularly in RADS hostels where pupils are less privileged,” the two said in a statement released by Fan’Mo sports agency recently. RADS refers to Rural Area Dwellers, mainly BaSarwa, whose children live in hostels attached to primary schools in order to encourage them to receive at least basic literacy and arithmetic.
Fani and Madisa say the way the impact of COVID-19 pandemic has left many children stressed in the course of two years also inspired them to come up with such a project. “With the COVID-19 pandemic being a stumbling block for the last two years, children have been inactive in sports, a rare fate for any kid globally,” their statement said. “We are teaching them at a young age to be compassionate and grow a spirit of giving. We are also setting up different influential individuals to pep talk them about life skills.”
They added that statistics indicate that children are also at risk of contracting non-communicable diseases if they go without some form of fitness training their lifestyles. “Fitness and healthy eating can go a long way in preventing health conditions in children,” they said. “The marathon aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle in young ones to also contribute significantly to their mental well-being, (which is) a key benefit of being healthy.”
Meanwhile, Fan’Mo Sports Agency has appointed former women 400m world champion, Amantle Montsho, Ambassador and Chief Walker at the event. “I value children greatly,” Montsho, who announced her retirement from active athletics after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last year, said in an interview. “They inspire me with their free-spirited minds, and anything I can do to help them define their future is a yes from me. I am honoured to be the Summer Kids Marathon Ambassador and Chief Runner. I therefore ask parents and guardians to join hands and register their children, and let’s have fun together!”
