By Nuusita Ashipala
ONGWEDIVA – Swapo coordinator in the vast Oshikoto Region, Armas Amukwiyu, has put his money where his mouth is.
The popular politician has sponsored the annual Gabriel Shokonawa Marathon race to the tune of N$75 000.
The race, named after the journeyman road runner will be staged for the 12th consecutive year since its establishment in 2002.
The competition is slated for the 31 December 2014 this year and winds its way through Ondangwa and Oshikango.
In his own words, Shokonawa has ostensibly represented Namibia in 19 international races of which he has “finished” 1st and 6th on the podium. He apparently also finished 2nd in three other races, 3rd in six races and 4th in further five road races.
This year’s race will feature prominent personalities such as the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta, who will participate for the 3rd time in the shorter distance of the 10-km race.
During his previous participation in the 10-km race in 2011 and 2012, Shifeta finished in 43-minutes and 44-minutes respectively.
Similarly, newly elected councillor of Endola Constituency, Ferdinand Shifidi, has put down a bet of N$10 000 challenging the deputy minister in the 10-km race.
Those willing to challenge the lawmaker were asked to register themselves with N$1,000.
Shokonawa said the aim of the race is to particularly bring the youth together and introduce them to activities that are meaningful in life rather than resorting to unjust activities.
“The aim of the race is to take the youth off the streets, teach them about health and fitness issues, fighting and prevention of crime and to keep youngsters away from evils of life such as excessive consumption of alcohol,” said Shokonawa.
Registration has already started at Joseph Nakashona’s office at Ongha and will run until December 24. Participants are being asked to cough up a registration fee of N$50,00.
“I am calling upon all athletes and aspiring ones to take part in this historic event,” said Shokonawa. Athletes will participate in a full marathon of 42.2 km, half marathon 21.1-km, cross country race covering 10-km and 5-km.
Winners in the different race categories will receive prizes ranging from N$1,600 and N$3,000. The wining prize for the full marathon is yet to be determined.
The official opening will be conducted by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta on New Year’s eve. The race kick-starts at 07h00.
The full marathon will start from Indangungu, half marathon at Ongha, 10 km Onhuno and 5km at Omafo.
The event is organised by the first governor of Ohangwena Region Billy Mwanyengange.
Other sponsors include Kambwa Trading cc who sponsored N$25,000, Namibia Women in Sport Association (NAWISA) N$20,000, Oshikango Garage and Shetweeni Business in Omungwelume, N$5,000 each.
Linda Naikaku has also sponsored four goats, while water will be provided by Super Fruit business. Shokonawa extended his gratitude towards former and current sponsors.
He is particularly pleased with Amukwiyu, who is lending a helping hand in preparing him for the SADC (Southern African Development Community) games to be hosted in Oshikoto Region, next year in February.
In addition, he will be able to attend a training camp in Mombasa, Kenya to prepare him for the games early next year.