The early morning air buzzed with excitement last weekend as children from all walks of life gathered in Maun for the second edition of the Kiddies Fun Run, an event designed to inspire active lifestyles and joyful moments among the town’s youngest residents.
From the warm-up aerobics session at 6:45 am, led by a lively team from Botswana Aerobics, to the final sprint in the 1km category, the event was a celebration of youthful energy, inclusion, and fun. Participants took part in three races namely the 5km, 3km, and 1km but in the spirit of community and encouragement, no medals were handed out. Instead, every child was declared a winner.
“There were no prizes because the point wasn’t about winning,” said Thabo Kgosidialwa, a representative of the event’s organizers. “It was about participation, about joy, and about getting kids active and engaged. Ultimately, they all won.”
The event, held under the banner “Active Kids, Active Minds,” is part of the broader Snapback Academy initiative. Founded to address the lack of child focused programs in Maun, Snapback Academy offers creative, physical, and social activities aimed at enriching children’s lives outside the classroom.
“This initiative started small last year at Life Centre,” Kgosidialwa shared. “But the turnout this year clearly shows how much parents and kids are craving these kinds of opportunities. It’s grown beyond our expectations.”
A standout feature of this year’s fun run was the sponsorship of 100 underprivileged children, giving them full access to the event. “Chobe Holdings sponsored 86 children, and Safari Destinations took care of another 20,” said Kgosidialwa. “It was heartwarming to see all the kids enjoying the same activities regardless of background.”
The event was also made possible through support from Mall of Maun (The Place of River Reed), alongside Chobe Holdings Limited and Safari Destinations, who all played a crucial role in turning the vision into a reality.
Beyond the joy of the day, the event sparked important conversations about the need for child-focused programming in rural towns like Maun. “The council chairman mentioned how we often overlook children’s wellbeing when it comes to physical activity,” said Kgosidialwa. “This event shows we’re finally paying attention.”
Looking ahead, Kgosidialo says this is just the beginning. “The fun run is only one part of what we’re building. You’ll see more events—from sports to dance and other creative programs under the Snapback Kids Academy brand.”
