WINDHOEK – Debmarine Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU), on Wednesday launched a netball and football competition that will see the youth in Namibia compete for honours.
The ‘Bridging the Gap’ championships, which will be sponsored by Debmarine Namibia, will see under-15 and u17 boys and girls from all 14 regions of Namibia compete at the Oshakati stadium from 4 to 6 October.
NSSU national coordinator Solly Duiker said during the launch that the competition will help to improve sports among the youth at grassroots level.
“We are happy to see Debmarine coming on board during these difficult economic times to sponsor this project,” he added.
Regional trials will be hosted from 7 to 14 September in the various regions. Thereafter, the regional teams will be selected to compete in the national championships in October.
Duiker said the football teams will consist of 15 players and two officials, while the netball teams will have 10 players and two officials.
“Our goal as the NSSU is to develop sports at grassroots level, but we fail to do that due to (lack of) funds. This project will allow us to give the teams full attire in their regional colours because Debmarine’s sponsorship will make that possible,” he noted.
Debmarine has made available N$2 million for the hosting of the maiden edition of the youth competition.
The NSSU national coordinator also urged other companies to emulate what Debmarine Namibia has done, as this would help to further develop local sports at youth level.
Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer Otto Shikongo called on other corporate private entities and parastatals to join the government in order to develop the youth in sports.
He said the sponsorship is aimed to empower the youth through sports, noting that sport is critical to the development of the youth as it promotes discipline, dedication, commitment and has health benefits.
“If we do not have the youth and if we do not look after them by developing them, then we do not have a nation. So it is appropriate indeed that we put our efforts together to develop the youth,” he added.
The CEO urged those responsible in dealing with the funds to make sure it is used accordingly and that the youth fully benefits from the programme.
“Those colleagues that will be coordinating these resources should execute this with diligence, discipline and accountability so that nothing goes to waste,” he said. – Nampa
