Aims School of Sport launched
The Aims School of Sport (ASOS), which focuses on professionalising sport through education, was launched in Windhoek yesterday.
The courses offered are a Certificate in Football Education and Practice (level 3) and Certificate in Sport Education and Practice (level 3).
Aims stand for the Africa Institutional Management Services, and offers skills development courses, as well as national vocational qualifications.
Speaking during the unveiling, Aims founder Reinhold Xoagub said many athletes end up with nothing when their sports careers
end, but the introduction of ASOS should be an encouragement for them to educate themselves with the basics in sport.
“Students of football, most of the time, never benefit from the platforms that are there, and this course is aimed at benefiting those who will partake in sports because, as an athlete, your career span is up to the age of 35 but with this qualification, we want them to extend it into coaching or administration,” he said, referring to the two-year qualification offered by the school.
Xoagub added that for the course to be a success, it requires all stakeholders to be on board as Aims is ready to professionalise sports in the country.
Speaking at the same occasion, deputy sports minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas said Aims School of Sport is unique and a one-of-a-kind educational programme.
“The milestone Aims achieved through the Namibia Qualifications Authority, having completed a legal oversight of certification and linkages between the various education and training sectors, is worthy of celebrating,” she said.
She added that her line ministry will intensify their efforts to realise the objective of providing an enabling environment for sports, as they are responsible and entrusted with the development of sports in the country.
“Private sector investment in sports education development, like ASOS, comes at the right time when we embark upon professionalising sport in line with the National Development Plan (NDP 5), and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPP2),” said Kantema-Gaomas.
Former Namibian sprinter Frank Fredericks was also in attendance.