- Flagship event by Fan’Mo Sports Agency aims to shape a bright future for kids through fitness and fun
The third edition of the Summer Kids Marathon is geared towards promoting fitness, combating communicable diseases and social delinquency.
Moagi Madisa, co-organizer of the marathon mentioned that the event is set to occur at the Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone on April 20, 2024. This event, tailored for children aged 3-16, has transformed into a noteworthy initiative aimed at promoting fitness, combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and fostering social unity.
Speaking in a telephone interview with this publication, Madisa emphasized the positive impact of the Summer Kids Marathon.
“It is a fitness exercise with many advantages. We want to activate kids into sports and create a generation that values a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
The event, emerging in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception. In 2022, it attracted over 280 participants, highlighting the limited availability of children’s activities during that period. The subsequent year saw registrations surge to over 530 kids, signaling a growing interest in the initiative.
Madisa highlighted the importance of the non-competitive nature of the event, aiming to keep kids engaged in positive activities.
“Idle kids often tend to indulge in unruly behavior, so the non-competitive event plays a catalyst role in creating active kids before they migrate into competitions at above 16 years,” Madisa explained.
This year’s theme focuses on encouraging kids to showcase their prowess in different competitions, positioning them as investments in the future.
“We believe these kids are the future, and by promoting a healthy lifestyle, we contribute to a brighter future,” Madisa stated.
In an effort to expand participation, the organisers have introduced fun activities, including a letter-writing competition among the kids.
Furthermore, the Summer Kids Marathon also has a charitable component. A percentage of the proceeds go to charity, specifically aimed at supporting underprivileged kids across the country.
The event has garnered increased attention from brands, reflecting the growing support for initiatives promoting children’s well-being. The organizers anticipate even more registrations for the 2024 edition and have planned pre-event activities, including “In Your School” campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of participating in the Summer Kids Marathon.
Looking ahead, Madisa outlined the long-term vision of having multiple editions of the Summer Kids Marathon around the country. To achieve this, they are appealing to the business community for partnerships. Madisa concluded, “We encourage a healthy lifestyle, and with that comes educated kids. The Summer Kids Marathon is a catalyst, and its long-term aim is to positively impact children nationwide.”
