Windhoek
The 3nd edition of the annual Chief John Arnold Sport Festival was officially launched in the capital yesterday, with organisers promising to deliver a much bigger and better event this year.
Hosted annually by the !Kung Traditional Authority in conjunction with the Ndeulipula Hamutumwa Trust and various sponsors, the popular festival will this weekend be hosted at Omatako village in Tsumkwe constituency in Otjozondjupa region.
Last year’s edition was also staged at Omatako village and was attended by the director of sport in the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, Sivhute Katamba, and the Queen of !Kung Traditional Authority, Clony Arnold, as well as various government officials and traditional senior counsellors.
The festival, regularly held under the theme ‘Empowering Youth Through Sports’, is staged in honour of late !Kung Traditional Authority chief John Arnold, in recognition of his great work in the Omatako area while at the helm of the traditional authority.
Moreover, the ultimate aim of the festival is to promote unity, diversity and friendship among the different communities within Tsumkwe constituency through bringing together various teams to compete and raise an awareness of sport.
It also seeks to encourage youth participation in sport from an early age and promote healthy living and economic activities.
The John Arnold Sport Festival mainly features football and netball teams as well as horseracing. Just as with previous years, this year’s winners walk away with some handsome cash prizes, floating trophies and medals.
Chairperson of the local organizing committee, Lot Ndamanomhata, said: “Registration of all participating teams will be done at the !Kung Traditional Authority office. Registration fees of all teams will be handed to the !Kung Traditional Authority and will be used to assist the office with administrative activities.”