By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – This weekend’s Bank Windhoek Grand Prix will officially kick-start this year’s athletics season, with the much-anticipated annual games expected to attract more than 120 athletes from all corners of the country when action gets under way at the Windhoek Independence Stadium. Athletics Namibia (AN) Secretary-General, Frank Slabbert, says this weekend’s games will be much bigger and better, mainly targeting upcoming athletes while also focusing on unearthing raw talent. As opposed to previous years, where the competition was principally headlined by big names on the local athletics scene, Slabbert says this year is a year to aggressively strive for development in all departments with the hope of grooming a new generation of elite athletes.
“Despite the young talent, spectators can also expect good competition in events such as hurdles, long jump and long distance races to mention but a few. So, all in all, we look forward to a great season of athletics this year,” said Slabbert.
“This weekend’s games will also feature under Under-19 athletes as well as the Nampol and Namibia Defence Force (NDF) teams, who will all add stiff competition to the upcoming athletes. So, we expect the youngsters to rise up to the occasion and give the veterans a good run for their money.”