Ouagadougou: Under a morning sun and in a friendly atmosphere, the Burkina Sports Walking Association (AMS-Burkina) brought together on Friday more than 200 walkers from several regions of the country for a 30-kilometer hike (Gampela-Koubri).
According to Burkina Information Agency, as part of its annual program of activities, AMS-Burkina organized this walk called ’30 km, Trankil’. Having become a tradition for fitness walking enthusiasts, it mobilized more than 200 participants from several clubs across Burkina Faso.
Having set off early in the morning from the roundabout on the Gampela bypass, the walkers reached the Koubri roundabout after a 30-kilometer journey, in an atmosphere marked by discipline and conviviality. The clubs from Fada N’Gourma, Loumbila, Tenkodogo, Ouagadougou, Koudougou, and Koubri responded to the call, thus reflecting the vitality of the sport walking movement in Burkina Faso.
According to Mr. Christophe Kere, a member of AMS-Burkina, this activity goes far beyond simple physical exercise: ‘We believe that, to serve the homeland, one must first enjoy good health. This march also provides a framework for fraternity and solidarity, values that promote social cohesion,’ he said.
The main objective of this initiative, according to the organizers, is to promote health through sport, but also to strengthen ties between the different walking clubs in the country. AMS-Burkina does not intend to stop there. In addition to the ’30 kil, Trankil’ walk, it organizes two other flagship activities each year: the March 8th walk, in homage to International Women’s Day, and the May 1st walk, dedicated to Labor Day.
Upon arrival, the participants, visibly satisfied, shared moments of relaxation and conversation in a friendly atmosphere. Between stretching, refreshments, and souvenir photos, everyone proudly displayed the accomplishment of having completed the 30-kilometer challenge.
For Mr. Souleymane Ouedraogo, a member of the Fada walking club, this activity is a true source of motivation: ‘It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this walk. Beyond the physical exercise, it is a moment of sharing, friendship, and discovery. We leave tired, certainly, but with a light heart and high spirits,’ he confided enthusiastically.
They all agreed to meet again for the next edition, with the same determination to make fitness walking a vehicle for health, fraternity, and national cohesion. In the meantime, activities continue within the various clubs affiliated with the association throughout Burkina Faso.