Various sports federations are advocating for the expansion of the Dr Hage Geingob Cup to include other sports codes to continue honouring his legacy.
This call was made during the memorial service for the late Dr Geingob at the Windhoek Showgrounds on Monday evening, where members of the sports fraternity gathered to remember him. Representatives from sports codes including football, rugby, netball and athletics delivered tribute speeches.
Addressing the gathering, Lot Ndamanomhata, the public relations officer at Athletics Namibia (AN), spoke on behalf of the federation’s president Erwin Naimhwaka, and described the late president as someone who passionately supported all sports codes.
“In remembrance of President Hage Geingob, Athletics Namibia fondly recalls his deep passion for sports. He avidly followed various sports, but notably supported Athletics Namibia. His commitment extended to the launch of the Frank Fredericks Foundation in 1999, which underscored his dedication to athletes’ education,” he remarked.
Ndamanomhata advocated for the expansion of the annual Hage Geingob Cup to encompass a broader range of sports codes. Traditionally, the Cup focused solely on football and rugby.
“In honouring President Geingob’s legacy, we propose transforming the Dr Hage Geingob Cup by extending its scope to include various sporting disciplines. This initiative aims to enrich the president’s legacy in the realm of sports. His passing away represents an immeasurable loss for Namibia, and his commitment to sports as a unifying force and for talent development was exemplified by his active presence at sporting events. His support served as an inspiration, urging athletes to strive for excellence,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Sports, Youth and National Service Agnes Tjongarero described the late president’s connection to every single sports code in the country. She spoke about how he accommodated all 52 sports codes.
“Dr Hage Geingob was a sports lover, and whenever a federation requested to see him or had a courtesy visit, he never shifted to another day or somebody else, he would receive them. Not only football, but everybody (sports code). He attended everything, he was a sportsman in and out. Not only that he played football and rugby, but he also loved all sports. Cricket, rugby and boxing were all at State House, and everyone who wanted to see him was open to seeing him. He wanted to watch sports at a packed stadium. He didn’t want to watch sports at an empty stadium,” Tjongarero stated. mkambukwe@nepc.com.na