Maseru, March 10 — The Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has launched the Certified Leadership Course (CLC) Community Project Implementation at Ha Motolo, Selesele Football Club Pitch in Berea, with the aim of strengthening sports leadership and promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mrs Mats’epo Khau said discussions about sport often focus on major international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, while the real responsibility is to ensure that every Mosotho maintains good health through physical activity. She noted that regular exercise helps reduce both communicable and non-communicable diseases affecting Basotho and urged the public to understand the importance of staying active.
Mrs Khau advised people to engage in simple activities such as walking, stressing that one does not necessarily need to play football to stay healthy.
Deputy LSRC President,Mr. Kamohelo Hlomisi, said the initiative aims to bring communities together through sport while also creating opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods. He explained that the Certified Leadership Course was introduced to empower communities by equipping participants with leadership and management skills in sport.
He added that the project will be implemented in five districts, namely Mafeteng, Berea, Botha-Bothe, Leribe and Qacha’s Nek, focusing on different community sport and fitness activities.
Mr. Hlomisi further explained that the projects are community driven solutions meant to encourage participation by people of all ages. He mentioned that sport promotes healthy living and encourages positive lifestyle choices, including healthy eating and engaging in productive activities such as farming and walking long distances. He emphasized that an active body is less prone to illness and encouraged schools to help promote the programme.
Mr. Hlomisi also highlighted that increased participation in sports can help address social challenges among young people, including teenage pregnancy and indiscipline, as sport keeps youth engaged in positive activities. He reaffirmed LSRC’s commitment to community development, saying sports can unite people and contribute to building a healthier nation.
LSRC Public Relations Officer, Advocate Jobo Raswoko said a follow up training session was conducted in November in partnership with TAFISA to further promote health and sport within the community. He stated that participants were selected from the community to develop projects that would now be implemented following the official launch of the Certified Leadership Course.
One of the trainees, Mr. Tebello Matsoso from Leribe, said the programme promotes health for everyone regardless of age, status or religion. He added that many people involved in sports often struggle financially, but through initiatives like this they are contributing to improving the health of Basotho communities. Matsoso also pointed out that many illnesses can be controlled or prevented through regular physical exercise.
The Certified Leadership Course Community Project is expected to encourage greater participation in sports and promote healthier lifestyles across the participating districts.
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