More than 200 gymnasts from eight countries are expected to compete at the Region 5 Gymnastics Championships to be hosted in Windhoek from 7 to 14 December.
At a press conference in Windhoek yesterday, the president of the Namibia Gymnastics Federation, Sharifa Wentworth, said it was a special moment for Namibian gymnastics.
“This marks a significant moment for the Namibian Gymnastics Federation as this is the first time since 2015 that this event returns to Namibia. As hosts, we are committed to strengthening the development of gymnastics within the region and building a vibrant, collaborative regional gymnastics community with all our valued neighbours,” she said.
The competing countries are Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and Mozambique.
The championships will feature the core gymnastics disciplines of men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and rhythmic gymnastics, while two new disciplines will also be on display, Wentworth said.
“We are thrilled to announce that for the first time ever at this event, we will be showcasing two new disciplines – parkour and gymnastics for all – reflecting the growing depth and diversity of the sport across the region,” she said.
The opening ceremony will take place on 8 December at the Crete Gymnastics Hall at Olympia, where the majority of the disciplines events will be held.
The rhythmic gymnastics competition, however, will be held separately on 9 December at the Windhoek Showgrounds.
Namibia will be represented by 74 athletes in total, comprising 29 in the rhythmic gymnastics competition, 21 in the men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics competition, and 24 in the trampoline and tumbling competition.
Wentworth thanked the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture for its support, which was crucial in covering key event expenses, acquiring an electronic event management and scoring system, and providing national attire for the Namibian team.
She also thanked Joan Smit for her guidance, fundraising efforts, and liaison support, as well as several corporate sponsors, namely Capricorn Asset Management Group, Ark Trading, Lady Pohamba Pharmacy, Apix Digital Solutions, BHL Group, Seawork and Trophäendienste Taxidermy.
Wentworth said the federation is aiming for top honours.
“At previous Region 5 tournaments we have been among the most successful teams, and we are confident we will do well again. We have been out of circulation for a couple of years now, but we are ready and we intend to come out on top.”
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