The Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD) is set to host the highly anticipated Gaborone Wheelchair Challenge on August 10, 2024.
This event aims to celebrate inclusivity, empowerment, and the athletic prowess of persons with disabilities.
The Gaborone Wheelchair Challenge will feature an array of events, including competitive and non-competitive categories. Highlights include 42km and 21km handcycling races, a 10km wheelchair race, and a 5km fun push/run/walk designed to emphasize self-determination, inclusion, support, and diversity. These values are vital for advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
BCD’s Public Relations Assistant Gotlhe Balemoge says event aims to Celebrate Botswana’s Progress through recognizing the nation’s efforts in promoting the mainstreaming and inclusion of persons with disabilities, as demonstrated by the National Disability Policy 2021 and the Persons with Disability Act 2024.
By encouraging participation in sports, the challenge aims to provide athletes with disabilities the opportunity to advance into competitive and rewarding sports careers.
BCD highlighted the significance of the event adding that event will serve as a platform for advocacy, pushing for increased resources and support to address historic disparities in education, employment, healthcare, and other critical socio-economic areas. This, in turn, aims to improve the overall quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Balemoge further emphasized BCD’s mission: “Our intention as a council for the disabled is to provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to express themselves and showcase their talents. We hope that this event will serve as a launchpad for those aspiring to successful careers in sports, allowing them to compete at the international level in the future. It would be fantastic to see the community come together on the day to support our disabled athletes.”
Our starting and finishing points are at the University of Botswana, and our entrance is from 15 years old and above. The challenge includes a non-competitive five-kilometer fun run, as well as competitive categories such as the 10-kilometer race, the 21-kilometer race, and the 42-kilometer race.”
The Gaborone Wheelchair Challenge promises to be a landmark event, fostering an inclusive environment where athletes with disabilities can shine and the community can rally together in support of a more inclusive society.