Close to 500 elite and upcoming athletes from various parts of the country recently gathered at Mariental to compete for top honours in the seventh leg of the Athletic Namibia (AN) Grand Prix, which was hosted by the Tsaraxa-Aibes Athletics Club.

This was also the first time for a local club to host a leg of the grand prix, and it was done with the technical and administrative assistance of AN.

About 500 athletes from 39 clubs partook in this exciting event, which saw the other legs being hosted in towns such as Swakopmund, Oshakati, Rietfontein and many others.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Tsaraxa Aibes Athletics Club founder Nomin Lucas said it was a huge learning opportunity for them to host the seventh leg of the competition, adding that the large turnout of participants and the great cooperation with AN is what impressed them the most as a young club.

“The event was a major success, given the fact that we only had the opportunity to organise it for the first time. We had over 480 athletes from 39 different clubs, which was a great turnout. We are grateful to see how athletics has evolved in the country, and the interest of clubs in our local events has also grown. I believe if we can continue at this pace, Namibia will surely be one of the best athletics nations on the continent,” he said.

In terms of talent identification, Lucas said such platforms are vital in grooming and developing young talents. 

He added more similar platforms should be created for young athletes from all parts of the country to showcase their talents.

“Such competitions are very important, as they motivate young athletes to compete and realise their potential. The more they are given these opportunities, the more they become better athletes.”

Rehoboth Athletic Club were the winners of the seventh leg, and they will again be expected to be favourites when the next leg takes place at Rehoboth this coming weekend.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na