News

In its continued efforts to promote healthy living through sport and exercise, the University of Botswana (UB) this week hosted a send-off ceremony for senior citizens who will be participating at the upcoming FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon slated for the 28th of February 2026.

Not only was the send-off a fitting gesture of honour as the institution also went a step further, availing its facilities to enable these elderly members of society to undergo their final medical and fitness assessments ahead of their journey to Kazungula for the much-anticipated Kazungula Bridge Marathon.

The team is made up of 22 members who are more than ready to take to the track in a matter of days. The senior citizens will compete across different categories such as the 21km, 15km and 8km run.

Forming part of the team during the send-off was the UB Chancellor, Ms Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, who emphasised the importance of physical fitness at old age. Ms Seretse thanked UB for playing a leading role in caring for the senior citizens and implored other members of the community to do likewise. She noted that physical fitness not only reduced health bills but also fostered ability to socialise and share skills with one another.

Director of Sports and Culture, Dr Comfort Mokgothu and UB Marathon Technical Team member, Mr Kgosietsile Bopadile, also delivered words of encouragement about senior sport development and urged the participants to embrace the Kazungula FNB Marathon challenge with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the team Trainer, Tshepo Joseph, indicated that the overall aim of the programme was to ensure that the senior citizens remained healthy.

UB and senior citizens have forged a relationship through the University of Botswana Foundation (UBF) which organises and coordinates the UB Marathon. This is highlighted by the senior citizens’ participation in the annual marathon, while the institution continues to support this programme in kind.