GOBABIS: The Omaheke Regional Council (ORC) awarded athletes who uplifted the name of the region at a ceremony held in Gobabis on Saturday. ORC chairperson Ignatius Kariseb said the event was aimed at celebrating the exceptional dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of athletes, coaches, and sports leaders within the Omaheke Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, ninety-eight athletes were awarded in various sports codes including boxing, football, netball, golf, hockey, rugby, and athletics. Amongst the recipients were former and current players and deceased athletes who represented the country. Kariseb remarked on the importance of celebrating the athletes’ achievements, emphasizing the significance of unity and hard work.
Kariseb further stated that honouring the athletes helps to strengthen the community’s shared values and commitment to progress. He acknowledged the trailblazers who laid the foundations for the athletes’ achievements and highlighted the necessity of investing in resources to n
urture the legacy of sports in Omaheke.
He noted that the absence of comprehensive sports facilities in Omaheke has limited young people’s potential and announced ORC’s efforts to secure 20 hectares of land for a modernised multipurpose sport centre. This facility aims to serve as a hub for sports development, offering training and competition facilities for all sports codes.
Kariseb explained that the centre would host local, regional, national, and international events, attracting visitors, stimulating local business, and reinforcing community pride. Among the recipients were Erwin Handura, Elvire Theron, and Shirley Visagie for their contributions to hockey, while several individuals were recognized for their achievements in netball, football, and athletics, including Tjipekapora Herunga and Vitapi Ngaruka.