Six zones to converge in Otjiwarongo
…. athletes set to compete in various codes
ABOUT six zones from the vast Otjozondjupa region will compete in the Regional Athletics games slated for Saturday at Paresis Sports ground. The games emanated from the successful completion of the zonal games that took place in various clusters in the region earlier this year.
Jevezinga Muheue, the Otjozondjupa Schools Sports Regional Athletic (OSSRA) convener, said about 300 athletes and 60 officials from 30 schools will be gathering in
Otjiwarongo this weekend. The athletes will compete in U/13 up to U/19 categories in all track items such as 100, 200, 400, 800, 1 500 and 5 000 metres, hurdles and field items like high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, discus and many more.
Educate Academy is hosting the event this year as it is done on a rotational basis after Grootfontein Secondary School held it in 2023. “The purpose of this event is simply to select our region’s best athletes who will represent us at the national games set for Windhoek later this year when all 14 regions compete against each other,” Muheue said. He added that the event gives opportunities for the selected athletes to represent the country at international level. “This is the big day for our athletes in the region; they must make use of this chance and shine to their best. We expect stiff competition from all zones as they all prepared well for the games,” Muheue added.
All officials from different zones are expected to assemble before the event starts, and athletics rules will be applied.
According to the organisers, no athlete will be allowed to participate without his or her birth certificate, as athletes will be strictly checked at call rooms before they start with their items, and will be escorted by officials to their respective items.
In terms of awards, the convener emphasised that there will be trophies and medals for the winners in different athletics items, as the motivation for the participants.
The participating zones are Okakarara, Grootfontein or Otavi, Otjiwarongo, Omatako, Tsumkwe and Okahandja.
The official opening is set for 08h00.