Hilma Nalupe

The Namibia Sports Commission yesterday held send-off ceremonies for three teams traveling to world championships during October, marking a proud moment for the country’s sporting fraternity.

The first ceremony celebrated the Special Olympics Namibia Unified Volleyball team, who will travel to Katowice, Poland, from 4 – 9 October for the inaugural Unified Volleyball World Cup. 

The competition, a first of its kind, highlights the abilities and achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Team captain Given Kaholongo expressed her excitement and gratitude at the ceremony. “We are ready to represent our country and make Namibia proud,” she said.

The second team being sent off was the Namibia Chess Federation, which will participate in the World Youth Chess Championships in Durrës, Albania, from 3 – 16 October. 

The squad of 10 young players will face stiff competition from around the world. Namibia Chess Federation president Berdian Beukes encouraged the team to see the event as a valuable learning opportunity. 

“The championships will be tough, but every win, loss, or draw is a positive because you gain experience from it,” he said.

The final send-off honoured Namibian volleyball players Jura and Max Krafft, who will represent the country in beach volleyball at the World Volleyball Championships in Mexico from 16 – 22 October. Namibia Volleyball Federation president Tobias Mwatetulo described the milestone as historic. “This is the biggest achievement we have reached in volleyball, being able to send athletes to compete at the world championships,” he said. Namibia Sports Commission Chief Administrator Freddy Mwiya said the participation of Namibian athletes at global events reflects the growth of sport in the country. 

“Having youth partaking in these championships is a proud moment for the nation,” he said, urging athletes to compete with commitment and to carry the Namibian flag high. -hilmanalupe@gmail.com