WINDHOEK – Approximately 250 learners joined by 50 schoolteachers and supervisors and a large number of organizers as well as sponsors are burning the midnight oil to put the final touches to the much-anticipated Sports Olympiad.
The 17th Sports Olympiad of German schools in Southern Africa will be held from 16 to 21ST of this month, at the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS). This years chief organizer of the biannual sporting bonanza is DHPS.
“The hosting schools always invest and commit themselves with the entire organisation, accommodation, catering and transport for the athletes and their attendants. We are very grateful for this team effort,” enthusiast DHPS Principal, Kristin Eichholz said.
From 17 to 20th, young athletes aged between 12 and 18 will compete against each other in the disciplines of swimming, athletics, handball, volleyball, basketball and football though not only the competitions would be in the foreground.
“It is important to meet, get to know each other and foster the contacts in games, sports and fun. The objective includes the willingness to understand, mutual recognition and the promotion of a sense of community.
“The stop watch and measuring tape are not the key items - although a healthy competitive spirit must not be missing,” says Thorsten Horenburg, Head of the DHPS sports department.
Optimal conditions for athletes are offered on the lawn and multi-purpose sports field, in the swimming pool and of course the brand new DHPS gym, one of the most modern sports facilities in Namibia, completed in March this year, thanks to the great commitment and financing of the school community and the Federal Foreign Office.
Due to the large number of participants, the athletics competitions will take place at the Independence Stadium. Parents and sports enthusiasts are welcome at all competitions.
Apart from hosts DHPS, the participating German schools hails from Hermannsburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Accra/Ghana. This special sporting event has taken place alternately at one of the participating schools since 1986.