Ulla Finkeldey, MTC The Dome’s sports director and one of the chief organisers of this weekend’s Namibia Sport Expo (NSE), says the annual exhibition will not only be beneficial to international exhibitors and experts, but equally to local vendors and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday on the readiness of the much-anticipated third edition of the expo, Finkeldey said interest from the locals has been overwhelming as many sports companies, consultancies, federations and businesses have been enquiring on how to come on board and be part of the event.
This year’s expo, which will be held under a new three-year partnership between the Namibia Sports Commission and The Dome, starts today with a two-day conference at the MTC Dome High-Performance Centre in Swakopmund and ends on Sunday, 11 December.
“We are ready to host our international and local exhibitors. As we have been saying, this event is open to everyone to come through and showcase their sport-related services and products, and also to come exchange notes with their various counterparts. We can’t wait to share with the rest of the world what Namibia and her people are capable of doing in the field of sport,” she enthused.
“With international visitors and exhibitors coming to Swakopmund for the expo, it will be a great opportunity and platform for our local exhibitors and vendors to share and exchange knowledge with the world. It will be a chance for them to connect their services to the rest of the globe, and that will in turn also boost the local economy.”
Finkeldey added that it will also be an opportunity for them to explore the MTC Dome, and get to know that the facility is open to the public and local federations to host their various international events. “MTC The Dome is a world-class facility, and it’s right here in Namibia for Namibians to use. So, we want all our people to know that the facilities are open and ready for all local and international federations. That’s why we are inviting every single person to come through this weekend and engage with the rest of the world. Athletes and coaches too; they must come through and see what we offer here.”
As for today and tomorrow’s conference, various renowned sports administrators and experts such as Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller, local sports medicine expert Mellita Kgobetsi-Mathe, Special Olympics Namibia director Emilia Nzuzi, The Dome CEO Fanus Engelbrecht, The Dome sports director Finkeldey, Ironman South Africa regional director Keith Bowler, T’Neil Young of Aggregated Sport Consultancy and Nike representative Ray Wicksell will form part of the panel.
Namibia Breweries Limited, New Era Publication Corporation, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and Sanlam are some of the sponsors of this year’s expo.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na