Maqonda Ndlovu
The 10th edition of the Omaruru Street Mile was officially launched yesterday by Jo-Anne Manuel, the director of sport at the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service in Windhoek.
The 1.4-kilometre event will take place this coming Saturday (21 October) at Omaruru.
Speaking at the event, Manuel paid tribute to organiser Bethold Karumendu for his continued hard work in organising the street mile.
“This says a lot about the organiser; things like this can only last longer if your relationship with the sponsors is mutual. Some of us approach sponsors, negotiating in bad faith. You hear of instances where money meant for athletes is unaccounted for or kind donations are taken by organisers for their own personal benefits,” Manuel said.
She added that such reports eradicate opportunities for others.
Manuel said it is time that the government recognises the role sport plays in national development, such as education, employment, the tourism transport sector, hospitality, peace, and more.
“The value of sport needs to be understood by all, especially those in leadership positions. We need to use sport as a tool for national development. If we use sport as a tool for national development, we will expedite the development of Namibia. All our aspirations as declared in Vision 2030 can be attained,” she said.
Manuel added that by having monetary rewards for athletes, which they use to feed their families, as declared in the first pillar of the Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, or use the money to pay school fees, or stimulate the economy through business, among other things.
Manuel called on the sponsors and organisers to upgrade the Omaruru Street Mile race to an international event.
Speaking at the same event, Karumendu said what started off as a small dream has now grown to be one of the most sought-after races by local and international runners.
“As usual, we will have runners from all 14 regions of Namibia represented, while we are expecting a delegation from Orapa, Botswana, to add international flavour to the event,” Karumendu said.
He added that all logistics are now in place, and the event will deliver one of the best speed- and endurance-based competitions the country has seen.
The event will have various categories from U/9 to senior men and women, a veterans’ masters’ athlete’s competition for various cash prizes of up to N$120 000 which is sponsored by Erongo Cash and Carry Power Save, Coca-Cola, FNB Namibia Omaruru branch, Pasta Polona, the Omaruru Municipality, and the ministry of sport. Winners in the senior men and women categories will each receive N$7 000, while junior men and women will get N$5 000.
Veterans will pocket N$3 000, while Masters will get N$1 500.
Primary school kids will get N$2 000 for winning, while men and women’s wheelchair race winners will get N$3 000.
Caption: Street Mile – Powerful finish... Lavinia Haitope crosses the line first during the Women’s Mile Run at the 2017 Erongo Power Save Street Mile in Omaruru.
Photo: Nampa