The 15th edition of the Ondjola Annual Sports Bash is set to take place in December, marking a significant milestone in promoting youth recreational outdoor sports across the country. 

This auspicious event will be held at the Ondjola settlement Iitananga in Omusati region, situated on the Okahao-Tsandi road.

Over the past 15 years, the bash has attracted attendees from all four ‘O’ regions, as well as the central and Erongo regions. 

The event features multiple sports codes, encouraging participation from both genders. 

Soccer, netball, boxing, volleyball, marathon and cycling will be part of this year’s bash. 

Last year’s event saw an impressive attendance of nearly 6 000 people at the Ondjola stadium. 

Participating teams included 32 soccer teams, 22 marathon participants, 13 cycling participants and 13 boxing matches. 

Winners in each sport walked away with cash prizes, medals and trophies. 

Additionally, the event hosted exhibition stalls, serving modern and traditional foods and drinks, with vocational, art, informational centres and parastatal vendors showcasing their services. 

The public’s interest highlights the event’s importance, and serves as an encouragement to continue this initiative.

The bash successfully met its objectives, which included promoting various sports in rural areas, improving physical and mental health, enhancing education and lifelong learning, promoting active citizenship through sports, and reducing crime and anti- social behaviour, particularly gender-based violence, during the festive season. 

Additionally, the event empowers small-scale local businesses by providing them a platform.

The organising team is excited to welcome a week filled with fun and excitement as they work towards nurturing and celebrating sports in the Tsandi district. 

NamibMills has sponsored the event once more, citing the perfect brand alignment with their products and the community members in which they operate. 

Brand manager Diego Tayala confirmed their commitment, and encouraged corporates to invest in initiatives that foster a healthy culture in the regions through community events. “Last year, we came on board with financial and infrastructure commitment, and we are proud to commit once more, seeing the outcome of the northern region coming out in large numbers. Our brand is about serving and being present in the communities we operate – and the northern part of Namibia remains an important location for support and development,” he said.

Event founders Page Kashikuka and Jack Iipinge shared their appreciation towards corporates and business communities for supporting the past events, and promised to not fall short of the high performance set last year. “We are grateful for such support.Without financial assistance, this event would not have been possible. We would also like to acknowledge Onepoko Financial Services who came on board last year with equipment that aided our high execution of standards to our community members, and would like to welcome them again this year. NamibMills has always believed in our vision, and it’s their unwavering support that residents in that region look forward to once more. This year sees much collaboration through Windhoek Airport Transfers, Tours and Rentals, “ he acclaimed.

As a new element of brand collaboration to instil the culture of cycling, Ondjola Sports Bash has merged with Hydenlyne Ondjola Cycling Tour ‘Rhino Ride’. 

Chairperson of Ondjola Titus Shaanika said the build up to Ondjola by bike will commence a week earlier. 

“For 2024,we are planning to undertake a four-day cross-cultural cycling tour across three Namibian landscapes: Damaraland, Kaokoland and Owambo as a curtain raiser for the Ondjola sports bash. The aim is to promote sportsmanship, education, culture and conservation across the Kunene and Omusati regions,”he said.

The cycling tour will start in Twyfelfontein, and continue to Palmwag, Sesfontein and Opuwo,and finish in Ondjola. The tour is planned for 19 to 23 December, and will span over 400km. 

The cycling tour is sponsored by international energy companies, including Hydenlyne Limited and Shearwater Geoservices, Okahao Engine Service, Precision Pipes and Vaves Pty as well Spectrum and Namforce.

More information can be found on: info@poiyahmedia.net .