- info@btmsoa.org.zw
- +263 719 039 841
On 22 September 2017, at a Ministry of Education and Culture Provincial Careers’ Guidance Workshop, consisting of a few voluntary athletes, Born To Marathon School Of Athletics (BTMSOA) was officially launched as an athletic club. Based on its mission; to diligently and consistently scout and develop talent in prospective athletes and athletes in disadvantaged communities without stigma, within world-class standards, and with due care for the environment. The School has since then reached out to hundreds of youths across Zimbabwe’s rural, farm, and high-density setups. In the process, youths and mostly athletes have been much empowered with physical, educational, and life skills, preparing them to be successful and responsible leaders in their own lives and communities. Not too many years ago, our nation of Zimbabwe earned a bad reputation in regards to youths’ lifestyle; high crime, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, obesity, and academic failure were and remain named among our youths. Above all this, much talent in such disadvantaged communities of the rural and high-density setups remains untapped from our youths. All this, in areas where Born To Marathon School Of Athletics (BTMSOA) has been working, has since been transformed, and work is still in progress.
At Born To Marathon School Of Athletics (BTMSOA), we are dedicated to fostering holistic development through a range of strategic projects. Our focus areas include income generation, life skills, healthy eating promotion as we endeavour to go organic and for self-sustainability.
Initiatives that generate income and promote financial stability
Programs that cultivate essential skills for personal growth and success
Promoting nutritious eating habits and embracing organic practices for overall well-being
Empowering individuals and communities to thrive through self-sufficient practices
Born To Marathon School Of Athletics (BTMSOA) through its leadership has successfully applied for and acquired a 10-hectare piece of land in Buhera, Bangure Village, Ward 19, under Chief Nyashanu. This has since become BTMSOA Headquarters, where its Sports Village will be built. The Sports Village will constitute all sporting disciplines training facilities, physio-clinic, athletes’ hostels, guest lodges, administration block, classroom blocks, agricultural projects’ land, Founders’ and staff quarters.
Almost every athlete BTMSOA has recruited never received professional coaching before. Regardless of such, BTMSOA has seen such athletes excelling exceptionally, winning in minor and major events nationally, and a few on regional and international platforms.
Among the senior male athletes within team BTMSOA, the likes of Andrew Dick to date is performing so remarkably well. Andrew Dick over the years has successfully run a number of national events, Victoria Falls Marathon, Tanganda Half Marathon, the Zimbabwe’s ultimate challenge, Vumba Mountain Run, among others. Andrew Dick’s best is running a Half Marathon within 67 minutes (1 hour 7 minutes), in the Tanganda Half Marathon 2022. Andrew Dick had a 5-minute improvement from the previous performance in the Victoria Falls Marathon 2022, finishing within 69 minutes (1 hour 9 minutes). In 2023, Andrew Dick has run his personal best for a Half Marathon in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Marathon, clocking 65 minutes. He also has managed to join Athletics South Africa (ASA) under Atlantic Athletic Club (AAC). This has seen him also running his personal best for 10km, 30 minutes 13 seconds. 2023 has also seen Andrew Dick running several competitive races in South Africa. Our junior athletes who graduated from the cadet category with us have also closed our 2022 season with a bang. Such include, Barbra Mbara, Hazvinei Ndaradzi, Charles Chikanga, only to name a few. Barbra Mbara has her personal record of running a 5km Race (Chitungwiza Police Commissioner Road Race 2019) sub 15 minutes, finishing within 14 minutes 45 seconds. This team of juniors and others not mentioned, have managed to give an outstanding performance in the Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run 2022. Not only have BTMSOA athletes exhibited athletic prowess, but also academic. Nomore Stario of Mazoe Citrus Estates, a short and middle-distance athlete passed his O’ and A’ Levels and is one of the principal staff at a college in Mazowe. Allen Mamutse, from Buhera Masocha, a former Junior Member of Parliament, a long-distance athlete, has passed O’ and A’ Level exams and is currently working on a short-term contract with Plan International.
