Who will be crowned Okavango Delta’s fastest poler?
correspondent | Sunday August 25, 2024 06:00
Nkashi Classic is a mokoro (dugout canoe) race that started in 2018 in Maun. Nkashi is the pole used to propel the mokoro, an icon of the Okavango Delta that has been used for centuries by the people who live along the waterways. This year, the organisers have added a youth category while the doubles category has been adapted to include one male and one female. This year’s race categories include: Youth Male (18-30 years of age), Youth Female (18-30 years of age), Male (31-54 years of age), Female (31-54 years of age), Veteran Male (55 and over, males), Veteran Female (55 and over, females) and Mixed Doubles (two polers, one male, one female both aged 18 and older). The total takeaway prize money this year over all categories is P120, 000. All finalists will receive a goodie bag with a variety of prizes and vouchers.
Prize money this year is consistent across all categories: 1st Prize: P10, 000, 2nd Prize: P5, 000, 3rd Prize and P2, 000. The highly anticipated Nkashi Classic 2024 attracts people and polers from across the Okavango Delta and beyond to showcase their skills, determination, and dedication to be crowned ‘Okavango Delta’s Fastest Poler’. In 2023, a poler from as far as New Zealand entered the race. “Around 60 finalists for the main race in Maun have been selected through a series of race heats, which were held around Ngamiland between May and August 2024 at Seronga, Ikoga, Boro areas. The event organisers worked closely with the Village Development Committees (VDC) and Community Trusts in each community. Participation in the heats was free and open to anyone who qualifies as per the competition rules, which are available on the event page. The top contestants from each regional area secured their place at the main event,” reads the press release from the organisers.
The release further indicated that during the heats, the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project - a partnership between BWBT and National Geographic Society hosted an educational experience for the community, schools and children to attend. This includes a virtual reality experience, exciting science experiments, conservation talks and the Nkashi Classic Virtual reality headsets. In addition, a variety of food and drinks will be on offer to purchase throughout the day and local artisans will be present to sell their crafts. There will be various local art installations on display and all trophies have been locally crafted for the finalists. The aims of this event have evolved from just celebrating cultural diversity and protecting indigenous heritage to promoting socio-economic inclusion. Nkashi Classic blends the thrill of sports, the richness of cultural heritage, and the spirit of community in a unique and unforgettable experience along the Thamalakane River. The event will serve as a platform to honour and embrace Botswana’s diverse cultural heritage through music performances, arts and crafts exhibitions and a variety of food and drinks.