By Kuvee Kangueehi WINDHOEK Two-time Namibia Sportswoman of the Year winner Agnes Samaria is hoping for an injury-free spell as she prepares for the All Africa Games, which start in Algiers, Algeria next week. After an excellent early season during which she broke the national record in the 1500m four times, Samaria was injured and received treatment for three weeks in Germany. The injury forced Samaria out of the Torino Grand Prix and the Oslo Golden League last month, but Samaria recovered from the injury and participated in the Athens Grand Prix in the 1500m. Samaria has a very busy schedule ahead of the All Africa Games and will participate in the Lausanne Super Grand Prix tomorrow, before heading to England for the Norwich Grand Prix on July 15. She then takes part in the All Africa Games from July 17 to 25. Meanwhile, Nampa reports that President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Friday sent Team Namibia off on national duty to the All Africa Games in Algeria and drew similarities with his mission to the just ended African Union Summit that took place in Accra, Ghana. Pohamba told the 55 athletes that he had no doubt that they would come back with medals, as was promised by Chef de Mission Advocate John Walters earlier. He reminded the athletes to behave well, saying he did not want any writers to say that Namibians, individually and collectively, do not behave well. Pohamba wished the athletes the best, urging them to do the best they can in their different fields of sport. The Head of State was presented with a blazer and tie in the national colours of the Namibia Sports Commission. Walters, on his part, pledged the team’s commitment to the games, saying his team will hold the Namibian banner high and be good ambassadors. Said Walters: “If we fail, I promise you and the nation that I will report to the Namibia Sports Commission and to you, the President, on our reason for failing and how we can rectify it.” Namibia will also be represented by two youngsters at the first-ever Youth Summit that will take place during the games. Namibia will participate in athletics, boxing, chess, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, shooting and wrestling. The 9th All Africa Games start on July 11 and will end on July 23.
2007-07-092024-04-23By Staff Reporter