Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The ninth edition of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Sports Games, themed ‘Forging Resilience Through Sports’, commenced yesterday at Grootfontein in the vast Otjozondjupa region.

The week-long sporting event will be staged at Ndimo Hamambo Garrison and Omulunga Sports grounds.

 Athletics items will be hosted at the Rietfontein sports ground.

About 22 NDF units will compete in boxing, football, netball, volleyball, pool table, chess, catapult, athletics and darts. 

Wing commander Frans Nengushe Tobias, who is also the vice chairperson of the local organising committee, said these games are primarily aimed at creating opportunities for NDF members to showcase their talents in different sports codes. 

The games also enhance both the physical and mental well-being of soldiers.

“Fitness is the key for soldiers. At the same time, these games will, in fact, also foster camaraderie and unity amongst the soldiers from different units and formations within the NDF,” he said.

He added that these annual games create opportunities for NDF sportsmen and women to be selected for regional, national and international events.

“Here is also where all the top sports members in our ministry are assembled, and display their skills in various sports activities, and mingle,” he said. 

Top performers in various codes will be selected to represent the NDF in the South Africa Sports games later in September this year.

Asked about the total budget for this year’s annual games, he said that cannot be revealed now, but there will be prizes for the winning teams as usual, ranging from trophies, medals and cash prizes.

“The accolades will be disbursed to those teams and individuals who took the first three positions,” he added.

The vice chairperson further said members of the public are welcome to attend this event free of charge.

“We are part of the community, and the public is welcome to come give us support. There will be Kapana stalls, and hunger will not be entertained at our venues,” he said. 

Amongst the previous winners of last year are the Navy netball team, Namibia Special Forces in boxing, 21 Brigade claimed the volleyball trophy, while the NDF Training Establishment team, based at Osona, clinched the football competition.  

The games will end on 4 August. – zngaruka@yahoo.com