The Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Trust has announced a P204,000 sponsorship for the newly introduced wheelchair racing category at the Botswana Life Classic Run National Half Marathon 2026, marking the first time the event will feature a dedicated division for wheelchair athletes.
The funding will support prize money for competitors in both the 10km and 21.1km races and is aimed at expanding participation opportunities for athletes with disabilities while promoting greater inclusion in sport.
To support the introduction of the category, the BIHL Trust has partnered with the Botswana Council for the Disabled on accessibility planning, athlete support and event coordination.
“This partnership reflects growing private sector leadership in disability inclusion and aligns with our mandate to advance equal opportunity. Finally, we welcome this development as a significant step toward building a more inclusive sporting culture in Botswana,” David said.
The council’s acting executive director, Nyanyaidzaini David, said the initiative represented an important step towards greater inclusion in Botswana sport.
“This partnership reflects growing private sector leadership in disability inclusion and aligns with our mandate to advance equal opportunity. Finally, we welcome this development as a significant step toward building a more inclusive sporting culture in Botswana,” David said.
BIHL Trust chairperson Esther Kanaimba-Senai said the sponsorship aligns with the Trust’s focus on inclusion and community development.
“At the BIHL Trust, we believe that sport has the power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all. We are proud to sponsor the inaugural wheelchair racing category at the Botswana Life Classic Run National Half Marathon and help make this iconic event more inclusive and accessible,” she said.
“This sponsorship is about ensuring that every athlete, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the excitement, achievement and sense of belonging that comes with participating in one of Botswana’s premi
