Zebaldt Ngaruka
The 8th edition of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) Sports Games, themed ‘Unity Through Sports’, will commence in the Oshana region on Friday.
Various teams from NDF’s formations and units will compete in eight sports codes, namely boxing, football, netball, volleyball, chess, athletics, pool table and a newly-introduced sport, catapult.
A catapult uses elastic strings, attached to a Y-shaped piece of wood and a leather cloth to launch a stone at high speed towards an object from a distance.
Speaking to New Era Sport, the chairperson of the organising committee of NDF Sports Events, Paulus Ali Nuumbembe, said the week-long competition will take place at Oshakati Independence Stadium, Ongwediva Tennis Court, as well as Embandu Stadium.
He said these games are a platform where NDF members are selected to represent the force at national and international events.
“Sport is a very important component in our force, and members must use these games as an opportunity to expose their talent and represent the country at the top level,” Nuumbembe said.
The event will start with a street march by NDF members on Friday morning.
“We will be marching with NDF’s Brass Band from the Leo Shoopala location to the Oshakati Independence Stadium to commence with the official opening of the games,” Nuumbembe highlighted.
The winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and medals in the various categories.
“We are ready; most teams have already arrived; thus, community members should come and support this event, which is free of charge at the gate. The NDF’s music band will also entertain the audience at the stadium,” he said.
Last year’s event was held in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The 261 Motorised Infantry Brigade won the football competition last year, whereas Composite Depot clinched the netball category.
The Special Forces scooped the boxing accolade, while the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade won the pool table, volleyball and chess top honours.
Defence Headquarters will defend the athletic award in the female category, whereas the 12th Motorised Infantry Brigade won the male accolade.
The games are expected to end on Friday 11 August 2023.