Zebaldt Ngaruka
The UP Talent Academy’s (UPTA) year-end function, called ‘The Closing Chapter 2023’, will commence today in the Omaheke region’s capital, Gobabis.
Established in 2015, the Academy aims to build and mould the talents of young Namibians who possess exceptional abilities in sports and a variety of fields.
Speaking to the New Era Sport, Uataviza Patire, who is the founder of the Academy, said tonight is reserved for sports, where stakeholders are going to discuss important sports issues in the region.
“These include the uplifting of sports in our region, updates on the current active leagues and the cooperation between various sports stakeholders in our region,” said Patire.
He added that the meeting, which will be held at the Omaheke Regional Library, will also discuss the upcoming regional and national competitions in 2024.
“As stakeholders, we will be looking at forming a sports forum that will oversee all sports activities in the region,” Patire alluded.
Tomorrow, the Academy will hand out various items, including clothing, to the selected vulnerable communities as part of its social responsibility.
“Our region is facing many challenges, and the UPTA sees it as necessary and assists the needy in the community, as it is not government’s responsibility alone,” Patire emphasised.
Sports activities are scheduled for Saturday when football and netball competitions are starting.
According to the Academy founder, there will be teams from neighbouring Botswana that will compete with local teams in netball and football categories.
“I am taking this opportunity to invite teams in Namibia to register for this competition,” he added.
The football teams will register for N$850, whereas the netball teams will enter for N$350, and this will take place at Legare Stadium.
“We will have musical entertainment at the stadium and Kapana stalls during the tournament,” he emphasised.
The event is expected to end on Sunday.