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Gaborone, Botswana. The spirit of an active and healthy nation took centre stage as Botswana joined the global TAFISA World Walking Day movement and the AUSC Region 5 Walk for Life in a vibrant celebration of physical activity, community and Sport for All.
Hosted by the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) in partnership with AUSC Region 5, the event brought together sport leaders, government representatives, stakeholders and members of the community at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval in Gaborone.
Held as part of the build-up to the 30th TAFISA World Congress, the celebration carried this year's theme, “Your Baton, Your Cause,” highlighting the power of individuals and communities to champion causes that contribute to healthier and more active societies.
Botswana: A Pacesetter for World Walking Day
The morning began with an energetic 5km walk, led by Gaborone City Council Deputy Mayor, Her Worship Mankie Sekete, alongside Cuba Ambassador to Botswana, His Excellency Antonio Luis Pubillones Izaguirre, BNSC Chief Executive Officer Mr Olebile Sikwane, 30th TAFISA World Congress Organising Committee Chairperson Mr Molefhe Obenne Kannemayer, members of the Organising Committee and other participants.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Mayor Sekete highlighted the special significance of Botswana's role in this year's global celebration. “This year carries a special distinction for our nation. Botswana has been designated a Pacesetter for World Walking Day. This is not merely a title, it is a responsibility, and a badge of honour.”
The designation places Botswana among the countries helping to set the pace for the global World Walking Day movement. More importantly, it presents an opportunity for the country to encourage individuals, communities and institutions to make physical activity a more meaningful part of everyday life.
World Walking Day demonstrates that promoting active lifestyles does not always require complicated or expensive interventions. Something as simple and accessible as walking can bring people together, encourage healthier lifestyles and strengthen connections within communities.
Carrying the Baton Forward
A defining moment of the celebration came when Deputy Mayor Sekete handed over the TAFISA World Walking Day Baton to the 30th TAFISA World Congress Organising Committee Chairperson, Mr Kannemayer.
Receiving the baton, Mr Kannemayer pledged to safeguard it and uphold the spirit and values behind the initiative.
The symbolic handover also connected World Walking Day with another significant milestone for Botswana, the country's preparations to host the 30th TAFISA World Congress in Gaborone in 2027.
As part of the build-up to the Congress, Mr Kannemayer unveiled the Congress theme:
“Sport for All: Investing in Active Futures.”
The theme reflects a broader understanding of sport and physical activity as an investment in people and communities. It speaks to the role of Sport for All in strengthening communities, building capacity, encouraging innovation and contributing to sustainable social and economic development.
For Botswana, the upcoming Congress provides an important opportunity to contribute to global conversations on how sport and physical activity can be used to create healthier, more inclusive and active societies.
From Walking to a Celebration of Sport for All
The World Walking Day commemoration extended beyond the 5km walk, transforming the event into a lively celebration of sport, recreation and community participation.
Participants took part in a range of sporting and recreational activities, including the 100m Accounting Officers' Race, 5-a-side football, volleyball and netball. Traditional games including Koi, Diketo, Dibeke, Mhele and Suna added a distinctly Botswana flavour to the celebrations, bringing together generations through familiar forms of play and recreation.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to focus on other aspects of personal wellbeing. Interactive and exhibition stalls offered health screening, dietary and nutrition guidance, as well as financial wellness information, reinforcing the message that living an active life is closely connected to overall wellbeing.
The spirit of the celebration extended beyond Gaborone, with the TAFISA World Walking Day and Region 5 Walk for Life also commemorated in Molepolole, Serowe, Lobatse and Francistown.
More Than a Walk
TAFISA, the Association For International Sport for All, promotes the principle that sport and physical activity should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.
World Walking Day brings this philosophy to life by connecting people across countries, cultures and communities through one of the simplest and most inclusive forms of physical activity: walking.
What began as a walking activity has grown into a global 24-hour movement, linking communities across different countries and time zones. Its simplicity is also its strength: almost anyone can participate, and every step represents a commitment to being more active.
For Botswana, participation carries an added significance. The country has embraced the World Walking Day movement as part of efforts to encourage physical activity as a regular part of daily life. Beyond the physical health benefits, active living can contribute to social interaction, community integration and stronger connections among people.
Being a Pacesetter therefore goes beyond leading a walk. It is about setting an example and inspiring others to move literally and figuratively towards healthier and more active lifestyles.
Walking Towards an Active Future
The successful commemoration brought together BNSC Executive Management, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) management, members of the 30th TAFISA World Congress Organising Committee, National Sport Associations (NSAs) and various stakeholders.
More importantly, it brought people together around a shared message: an active nation is built one person, one community and one step at a time.
As Botswana looks ahead to hosting the 30th TAFISA World Congress, the World Walking Day celebration provides a fitting reminder of what Sport for All represents. It is not only about elite competition or organised sport. It is about creating opportunities for everyone to move, participate, connect and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
With the baton now carried forward and preparations for the 30th TAFISA World Congress gathering momentum, Botswana continues to take meaningful steps towards an active future.
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