With the clock ticking down to tomorrow’s annual 2025 Namibia Sport Awards, which will be held in Ongwediva at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, preparations have surged into their final and most crucial phase.
According to Givean Samulandela, marketing head at the Namibia Sport Commission, the organising team is operating with precision as they put the last pieces in place for what promises to be one of the most dynamic editions yet.
“Decor and production crews have already taken over the main hall, working to meet a strict Thursday 16h00 deadline to complete all major installations. Any remaining touches will be finalised this morning before the entire team returns to the venue later in the afternoon for a full technical and stage dry run,” said Samulandela.
Behind the scenes, the Local Organising Committee has been moving in shifts to ensure smooth coordination.
“The first group arrived on Sunday, while the second contingent, which includes key figures such as MCs, the show director, and stage managers, arrived yesterday. Final arrivals today will bring in the award finalists and entertainment groups, who will have their first rehearsal at 18h00,” added Samulandela.
In parallel, preparations for the event’s coaching clinic are progressing steadily. Scheduled for Saturday from 08h00 to 13h00, the clinic will focus on six major sporting codes: Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Netball, and Wrestling. Organisers say this initiative continues to form an essential part of the awards’ developmental legacy.
If the stage preparations hint at grandeur, the entertainment line-up confirms it. Samulandela says attendees can look forward to an electrifying blend of modern music and traditional cultural expression.
“Performers set to light up the evening include Young T, Teqla, People’s Choice, Itileren’i Cultural Group, Tilipatye Cultural Group, and the Omushimba wo Kondonga Cultural Group.
Adding a unique artistic touch, renowned creative director Stanley Mareka will present a special showcase of creative arts crafted exclusively for this year’s ceremony.
“This year is about energy, excellence, and celebrating everything that makes Namibian sport special. The pacing, the performances, and the production are all deliberately curated to reflect our culture and the power of sport to bring people together,” he added.
Beyond the glamour, however, the awards carry significant economic and developmental weight. Samulandela explains that the event stimulates Ongwediva’s hospitality sector, boosts local retail spending, and creates temporary employment opportunities, including for volunteers, technicians, and service providers.
Furthermore, in line with the Commission’s commitment to local empowerment, all catering and décor needs are sourced locally, and materials such as partitioning boards are purchased from local suppliers.
Evaluating the event’s success is just as thorough. “Attendance figures, broadcast and streaming reach, stakeholder satisfaction, and partner retention are all closely monitored. Organisers also track local procurement levels, volunteer involvement, skills development, media coverage, and the opportunities created for athletes, such as new sponsorship prospects or visibility gained through the awards,” he said.
“Operational performance, covering timelines, technical precision, and budget adherence, is assessed alongside inclusivity and representation across genders, regions, and disability sport; Each year, we look at year-on-year improvement across all these indicators. It’s not just about one night of celebration. It’s about sustained impact and a legacy that continues to uplift Namibian sport,” Samulandela said.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na