Nthatuoa Koeshe
THE Matsieng Youth Development Club on Saturday held a 10-kilometre fun run to commemorate His Majesty King Letsie III’s 53rd birthday.
His Majesty, who turned 56 on the 17th of this month, presented Katleho Tahleho, who won the 10km run and Mphotleng Koeshe, who won the 5km run with medals. The initiative was supported by Metropolitan Lesotho.
The 10km run started at Ha-Moruthoane to the Royal Palace Grounds while the 5km race started from Mahloenyeng to the Royal Palace Grounds.
The top three runners from both races walked away with food vouchers worth M1 500 (winners), M1 000 (first runners-up) and M500 for the second runners-up.
His Majesty expressed gratitude to Matsieng youth and Metropolitan Lesotho for coming up with such an initiative.
“I appreciate what Matsieng youths and Metropolitan have done and I hope that this initiative grows into an annual event,” His Majesty said.
“Metropolitan Lesotho has always been here to support whenever they can and for that we are thankful.”
Metropolitan Brand and Marketing Manager Tšokolo Makeka said annually they think of ways to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday and were pleased to know that the youths in Matsieng were organising a fun run.
“This year we were wondering what we could and we are happy with the Matsieng youths’ initiative. The youths are important to us because they are the future and we are happy that they came up with a thoughtful idea.
“We are glad that we could be part of this celebration which was spearheaded by young people from Matsieng. At the same time, we also wish His Majesty a happy birthday and wish him many more,” Mr Makeka said.
Matsieng Youth Development Club leader, Relebohile Khathibe, said in the run up to His Majesty’s birthday, they thought of several ways to celebrate his birthday.
“We then decided to first start by fixing roads in Matsieng because we realised the risks they bring whenever it rains,” Mr Khathibe said.
He said they also made furrows to channel water off the roads to avoid flooding.
“After the roads initiative, we decided to host a fun run in partnership with Metropolitan because sports are healthy and are also a uniting agent for the people,” Mr Khathibe said.
