Zebaldt Ngaruka
The third edition of the Osona mass sport and health awareness programme concluded successfully in Okahandja this past weekend.
The event took place at Osona sports ground and attracted various athletes who participated in various sport codes.
Event organiser Mara Kandjiriomuini said the games were primarily aimed at introducing and reviving different sport codes to the settlement.
“This event also aims to facilitate and implement mass sports participation activities within the sport offices of the Okahandja and Omatako constituencies,” she added.
Kandjiriomuini, who is also the sport officer for the Okahandja constituency, said the turnout was beyond expectation and exceeded the two days planned.
“We were supposed to start Friday and finish on Saturday, but more teams from neighbouring places such as Okahandja participated, forcing us to go on until Sunday. This is an indication that the community needs this type of event, and this needs to be emphasised,” said the organiser.
The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) team won the netball competition, followed by Osona United and Okahandja Divas in second and third places, respectively. The volleyball cup went to the Osona B team, while its A team came second followed by Okahandja Municipality in third.
In the relay competition, the Friends team won and was challenged by the Wise K team in second place. Kumbee Mbei won, the 100-metre (m) sprint in the female category, while Nguaranotjari came second and left behind Hope Muzengua in third.
In the 100 m men category, Umar Sabango emerged the winner. He was followed by Romio Likuwa and Ziggy Ziggy, respectively in the second and third places. Sabango also went on to win the tennis competition, leaving behind Joseph Hamutenya in second, while Adrian Lamrat settled for third.
Amongst other games played, Linea Nghifikwa won the ladies’ tennis competition and was followed by Tukamone Mwilima in second position.
The football category accolade went to NDF’s first team, while NDF Training Establishment got the second place and third place was claimed by ACE.
The boxing competition received many entries and 24 boxers from various clubs who defeated their opponents got 24 gold medals, while 24 silver medals were dished out to runners-up.
Kandjiriomuini thanked all the stakeholders involved in the awareness programme, adding that their presence at the event made a huge difference.
“The community participation is self-explanatory, and we appreciate their efforts in making this event successful. We will be back next year, and planning will continue,” she said.
zngaruka@yahoo.com