By Staff Reporter
OMATAKO – The recently-concluded inaugural edition of the late Chief John Arnold Annual Sports Festival hosted by the !Kung Traditional Authority in conjunction with the Ndeulipula Hamutumwa Trust at Omatako Village in the Tsumkwe constituency, proved a huge success.
The sports festival held under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Sports” was in honour of the late Chief, in recognition of his great works while at the helm of the Traditional Authority.
The ultimate aim of the annual festival is to promote unity, diversity and friendship among the different communities within the constituency through bringing together various teams from the constituency to compete in the festival, raise awareness for sport in the constituency.
It also seeks to encourage youth participation in sport from an early age, promote healthy living and economic activities in the constituency and serve as an honorary recognition to the late chief’s work that he has done for his people and the development that he inspired in the Omatako area during the tenure of his leadership.
The festival keynote speaker was Minister of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, Jerry Ekandjo who encouraged the youth to participate in sport and to stay away from social ills.
Ekandjo encouraged participants to exercise fair play and always respect each other both on and off the field. urging teams to develop women sport such as netball in their respective communities.
He promised the communities that his Ministry would ensure that rural sports is supported to reach a high level. The festival was also blessed with the presence of the Queen Designate of the !Kung Traditional Authority and the Tsumkwe Constituency councillor, Francina Ghauz who also represented the Governor of Otjozondjupa Region, Samuel Nuuyoma.
The John Arnold Sport Festival mainly features football teams and netball clubs from the Tsumkwe Constituency. This year it attracted about 600 youths from within the constituency to participate in the two-day activities.
The Ndeulipula Hamutumwa Trust along with its partners sponsored the prizes both in monetary terms and in kind. Floating trophies were handed over to the winning football and netball teams. Winning teams also received cash prizes. Strategic sponsors for the event were also roped in.
In the netball section, Young Stars were crowned overall champions, ensuring the trophy remained home.