Lesotho Rugby Academy
Commonwealth Point of Light 209. Litšitso Motšeremeli
Litšitso Motšeremeli, representing Lesotho, aged 43, is Director of the ‘Lesotho Rugby Academy’, an organisation founded in 2014 with the dual purpose of introducing rugby into the country and supporting vulnerable children.
Litšitso took up rugby in 2011 and is one of the pioneers of the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR). After finding a passion for the sport, he started volunteering full time for the Federation and is now one of the country’s leading ambassadors for the sport, regularly appearing on Lesotho TV. Litšitso coaches free rugby sessions and delivers educational workshops in 20 schools a week. Working with over 2,000 students a term, the workshop activities include rugby training, education on HIV/AIDs, healthy lifestyles, environmental protection and gender equality.
Anne Macro, British High Commissioner to Lesotho, said:
“I am delighted that Litšitso has been awarded the Commonwealth Points of light Award for his tireless efforts to develop grassroots rugby in Lesotho. Not only has the ‘Lesotho Rugby Academy’, which he leads, introduced rugby to thousands of children across Lesotho, it has also used the sport to developed vital life skills including self-discipline and responsibility, and to promote healthy lifestyles, gender equality and environmental protection. Litšitso’s personal commitment, energy and enthusiasm make him a wonderful role model for young people.”
Litšitso said:
“I never know that there are people who are looking at what myself and my friends have been doing all along. I’m so grateful to be amongst people who have received the Commonwealth Points of Light Award today.
“The truth is, I may have been noticed, but coaches, and people who have been supporting me are the ones who deserve this award, I don’t deserve it alone or on my own. I wouldn’t have helped or touched so many kids’ lives on my own. I just want to say to all my coaches: this wonderful award is for you, I’m just going to receive it on your behalf.
“To all those who have been supporting us to make all those vulnerable kids happy, you deserve more than we do. Thank you for making the world see your work though us. Mr. Dan Aylward Mills and Mandy Ballett, this magnificent award is dedicated to you. Thank you.
“To those who realised what we have been doing, which is helping vulnerable kids from schools, may you be granted with your heart desires and long heathy lifestyle! Thank you all for making us realise that what we are doing is great. We will continue bringing the light to those in need.”