GABORONE, Botswana — Botswana’s edition of the global Wings for Life World Run recorded significant growth in 2026, with 450 participants gathering at Royal Aria Stadium on Sunday, 10 May, for the country’s second staging of the event.
The increasing turnout marked strong year-on-year growth for the initiative and reinforced Botswana’s growing role in the international movement supporting spinal cord injury research.
Held under the global theme, “Running for those who can’t,” the event brought together runners, walkers and wheelchair participants who joined thousands of people worldwide in the unique race against the Virtual Catcher Car.
This year’s global Wings for Life World Run featured seven flagship runs and a record 648 App Run Events across 173 countries. Thousands of additional participants also took part individually using the Wings for Life World Run App.
Globally, the event raised €9.2 million approximately BWP146 million for spinal cord injury research, with organisers confirming that 100 percent of entry fees and donations will go directly towards efforts to find a cure.
Botswana’s growing participation highlights increasing local interest in purpose-driven sporting events, with this year’s edition building significantly on the inaugural race while contributing thousands of pula to the global fundraising campaign.
Speaking during the event, Paralympics Association representative Ilan Ngwato said the initiative plays an important role in promoting inclusion and visibility for wheelchair users.
“Events like the Wings for Life World Run are incredibly important for promoting visibility, inclusion and a true sense of belonging for wheelchair users within the broader community,” said Ngwato.
“They also create opportunities for potential sponsors to support athletes with access to wheelchairs, which can often be financially out of reach for many individuals. Beyond that, seeing wheelchair users actively participate can inspire others living with disabilities to stay motivated, keep fit and realise that life does not end after injury.”
He added that the funds raised for spinal cord injury research continue to provide hope to wheelchair users around the world.
With momentum continuing to build both locally and internationally, Botswana’s Wings for Life World Run is rapidly establishing itself as a key fixture on the national sporting calendar while contributing to one of the world’s largest fundraising movements dedicated to spinal cord injury research.
