The event, which is a first of its kind, is the brainchild of Harvinder Singh Dhaliwal.
He told MmegiSport this week that the idea struck him last year when he was assisting Thuto Boswa Rehabilitation Centre in Ramotswa, in organising a half marathon and marathon events. He said in the beginning, he thought of organising a marathon but decided to focus on the grassroots level.
“If we do not focus on grassroots development, we do not have a future in track and field. We should invest in grassroots development. Our event is also meant to shape the youngsters to become good citizens of tomorrow, start with them from a young age to have proper good body coordination, and to make sure that they understand hard work,” he said.
Dhaliwal said the event is sanctioned by the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) and it is held under the World Athletics guidelines. World Athletics kids’ athletics programme uses the power of athletics to inspire children and young people to be more active, develop their skills and confidence, and connect with sport for life.
The programme also offers inspiring and quality experiences for children aged between four and 14 years. Dhaliwal said his event is also meant to safeguard children from substance abuse because instead of being undisciplined, the focus shifts to activities. He said athletics is the foundation of all sporting codes, adding that every child should be allowed to be part of athletics and later on, they can follow their hearts for any other sport. He said the event will teach children speed, endurance, hurdles, throwing, and jumps amongst others. Dhaliwal said his company, Olympion Sports has sponsored more than 1, 000 youngsters to be part of the event.
He said they are expecting children from both private and public schools.
Dhaliwal said they need a lot of assistance to cover the costs of the event. “There is a registration fee for the competition, citizens and residents of Botswana pay P200 per event in group A, P250 per event in group B, and P300 per event in group C. Non-citizens part with P500 per event,” he said. The newly opened Marulamantsi Primary School in Phase 4, Gaborone will bring 100 pupils to the event.
Events Group A Track and field: 1) Age group below six years; 2) six to eight years, eight to 10 years; 3) 10 to 12 years; and 4) 12 to 14 years. Group B: Track and field: 1) 14 to 16 years; 2) 16 to 18 years; and 3) 18 to 20 years. Group C: Track and field: Above 20 years.
