KATIMA MULILO – The Lajayde Athletics Club hosted its first-ever championship at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region at the weekend.

Selma Mufite, the regional chairperson of Athletics Namibia and founder of the Lajayde Athletics Club, said on Sunday more than 100 athletes, including para-athletes, participated in the competition held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex.

The event brought together athletes from the Omaheke, Kavango East and West, Omusati, Khomas, Zambezi and Ohangwena regions.

Athletes competed in 100-metre, 200m, and 400m sprints, as well as middle and long-distance races. Winners received medals and prize money in their respective age-group categories.

Mufite said the Lajayde Athletics Club is registered under Athletics Namibia and aims to extend athletics opportunities beyond secondary school level.

“A lot of people think that after secondary education there’s no more athletics, but it goes beyond that. After the age of 19 up to 74 years even, if the body is able to be stretched further, people can still participate in athletics and win prize money and medals,” she said.

Ohangwena emerged as the top performer, followed by Kavango West. Ohangwena also dominated the marathon, winning the first prize in the 10-kilometre race, while Kavango West took second place. The host region Zambezi, performed well in the sprint events. 

In addition to gold medals, event winners received prize money of up to N$3 000. -Nampa