The next Khawa Dune Challenge may see the introduction of a new category for local riders, especially the youth from the Kgalagadi region in an effort to encourage and develop young riders in the sport.
In the same vein, there is a deliberate effort to attract and lure more international riders to the Khawa Dune Challenge, to make it even more competitive, and also serve its main objective as a sports tourism event.
This has been revealed by the Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) Spokesperson, Neo Mosweu at the end of the Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival over the weekend.
She said they are working on a programme where young kids from the region will be involved in motor sport.
“We will look into it closely and ensure that, even though there are challenges, we resuscitate the programme and ensure that in the next event, there could be a category showcasing these kids.”
The Challenge is a partnership between BMS, Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), with the Kgalagadi District Council playing a facilitative role as a local authority.
Mosweu, said while the event has been successfully held for the past 10 years, there is need to grow it to international standards by attracting riders from other countries to enhance its competitiveness while at the same time providing a platform for young and upcoming riders.
Through the participation of international riders, the area may attract an all year round use by the same riders of the sand dunes unique to the Kgalagadi area, and thereby enhance economic activity in the area, ultimately marking growth of the sport tourism in Khawa.
“We want to diversify tourism while ensuring that there is inclusion that talks to the unique culture in this region. And when you bring motor sport into a terrain like this one, it is a fascinating combination,” Mosweu emphasised.
She said bringing international interest to showcase our capability, adding that besides tourism, the event also seeks to look at the development of local communities through economic empowerment during the event and beyond.
She further said they are trying duplicate the Toyota Desert Race, in terms of importance and prominence.
Meanwhile the winners in the different categories over the weekend have been encouraged to set their sights high while those who failed podium finishes to strive to do more in the next event.
BIKERS category
In the Senior Bikers – Cheetah category, Kosmas Namaloukos got position 1, Junior Bikers – Cheetah category Nathan Bernie got position while position in the senior bikers – Wilderbeest category went to Hanif Sankwasa.
The Quads Category – Senior quad Cheetahs category saw Baleseng Buzwani scooping position 1, Lawrence Lecha got position 1 in the Quads Seniors – Wilderbeest category, while Zibo Moabi sealed the Juniors category.
