Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Omaheke Regional Council (ORC) on Saturday honoured 98 athletes for their dedication and achievements.
The prestigious event was aimed at highlighting the region’s spirit, celebrating athletes’ success, and encouraging upcoming athletes to take sport seriously.
Amongst the recipients were boxers from the region who made their mark in their boxing career: Vikapita Meroro, Jatoorora Tjingaveta, Desmond Kasuto, Rosa Meroro Kaperu (women’s boxing), and late rugby player Gerhardt Mans.
Athiel Mbaha, Moses Muure Katjiteo, Hartman Toromba, Maximilian Mbaeva, Maleagi Ngarizemo, Denzil Haoseb, Roger Katjiteo, Ambrosius Amseb, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Vitapi Ngaruka, Steven Mbaisa, the late Pekara Kaaheke, Razundara Tjikuzu, Pat-nevin Uanivi, Killian Kavari, Betuel Muzeu, Romeo Kasume, Loydt Kazapua, Ratanda Mbazuvara, Charles Hambira, Jacobus Springbok, Tjipee Karuuombe and Uetuuru Kambato received the football honours.
EfraimTjihonge, Itamunua Keimunuine, Marcel Papama, Ikuaterua Hoveka and Himee Hengombe also joined the series of the region’s best footballers.
In the golf category, Siel Miller and Shalkwyk van der Merwe took the accolades, while Lorista Steyn took the darts award.
The angling award went to Sarita Taljaard, and Efraim Dawids went home with gymnastics honours.
Van der Merwe, Theo Redelinghuys, Collin Isaacks, Eugene Dawie Jantjies and Tjiuee Uanivi were awarded for their mark in rugby for representing the country at international level.
Erwin Handura, Elvire Theron and Shirley Visagie were awarded for their achievement in hockey.
Dorkas Tjipetekera, Jatjinda Kambatuku, Tjikari Kauraisa, Uzuvira Uatjiua and Muuaa Tjipetekera were honoured for their achievement in netball.
Uahengi sa Tjozongoro, Venj e Maharero, Maria Garu-Oas, Kuhatjiua Makari, Tjimbaa Mbahepa, Vijanda Kamberipa, Hendrine Kandovazu, Wynona Steyn and Anna-Marie Kotjipati were also recognised in the netball category.
In women’s football, Julia Rutjindo, Veueza Kotjipati, Mariana Gaebusi, Veronica van Wyk, Pamela Mujoro, Sina Tlhabanello and Paula Awa-Eises were recognised.
Omaheke region produced many of the country’s athletes.
Amongst them are Tjipekapora Herunga, Silba Tjingaete, Kapenangutjiua Rukero, Johan Steyn, Abram So-Oabeb, Hawie Engels, Victoria Tjingaete, Cliftonville Haoseb, Bethold Karumendu, Nico Vrede, Joseph Tjitunga, Susana Kruger, Petrus Lipula, Erlich Goeieman, Kazaatjo Kambiri, Ryan Williams, Willie Ngahahe, John David, Tinus Maree and Ben Human.
Two deceased athletes were also recognised for their contributions to athletics in the region, namely Herman Matabele and Naomi van Lill.
Ludwig Crooks Nunuheb, Barry Rukoro, Sina Tlhabanello, Drucilla Kandjii and Monica Bohitile received the office-bearer award.
The chairperson of the event organising committee, Erwin Katjizeu, said the award ceremony will be held every three years.
It will include the best performances in art and culture.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com