Sport festival encourages healthy lifestyle, unites residents

The cold harsh weather experienced across the province last Thursday could not stop residents of Ga-Moeti, Moletjie to engage in the various sporting codes presented during the second annual Lukas ‘Lombos’ Maleka Sport Festival held at Moeti Tigers Football Club sport grounds.
Sports enthusiasts participated in several sporting codes that include a road race over 5, 10 and 21 km, aerobics, chess and soccer. According to the event founder and local businessperson Victor Komape, Lombos was a true sport fanatic that had made it a point that residents participate in different activities for the sake of a healthy lifestyle. Lombos died two years ago and the challenge is hosted annually on Women’s Day to honour him and celebrate women. Komape called on businessperson to come up with similar initiatives to plough back into their respective communities.
Event convener Kwena Phadu indicated that they also aim to unite the community and afford them a platform to engage in competitive sport and share information on things that can boost the area. He further outlined that they want to promote health awareness, minimise crime and usage of drugs and educate young boys on how to treat women since the event is held on Women’s Day. He concluded by saying Lombos had a passion to unite people through sport and the least the community can do is to appreciate and honour him by participating in the challenge.
After the marathon, four local football teams competed for trophies and medals at stake. Mphe Batho locked horns against Nong Vultures and drew 0-0 after 90 minutes of play and had to proceed to penalties. Nong claimed a win by defeating Mphe Batho 5-4. Moeti Tigers beat Lebowa Chiefs 3-0 and went on to outcompete Nong Vultures 1-0 in the finals. In chess, Nare Komape took the lead followed by John Legodi on the second spot. First place finishers in different sporting codes received trophies and medals to boost their morale. More results are as follows:
21 km
Junior men
• Alex Teffo.
• Denzil Mothata.
• Mokgethwa Maleka.
Open men
• Harry Mashiane.
• Justice Mogale.
• Moqueen Mapoulo.
Veteran men/ woman
• Pitsi Thantsha (man).
• Caiphus Makgakga (man).
• Betty Mashitisho (woman).
Masters men
• Edwin Phago.
• David Montlane.
• Erasmus Masoga.
10 km
Junior men
• Lethabo Malebana.
• Andrew Malatjie.
• Mokgethwa Ngwangwa.
Open men/ woman
• Magdeline Selowa (woman).
• Zanele Tsipa (man).
• Johannes Senama (man).
• Given Teffo (man).
Veteran men/ woman
• Lillian Kgaabi (woman)
• Frans Mogale (man).
• Kgabi Maleka (man).
Maters women/ man
• Suzan Selemela (woman).
• Nikkie Mashamaite (woman).
• Phinias Masoga (man).

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za