Diving the vehicle of youth sports development
The Bridging the Gap sport initiative is ready to engage youngsters for the next two years.
Justicia Shipena
Debmarine Namibia has announced that it will invest in at least two more 'Bridging the Gap' youth tournaments. Last year the diamond company launched the N$2 million youth sport initiative in all 14 regions in the sport codes of under-15 football and under-17 netball.
Following last year's successful pilot event, this year Swakopmund is set to be the host town for the tourney. In the same vein Debmarine handed over the 2019 Bridging the Gap (BTG) awards to winning regions on 30 January in Windhoek.
Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Otto Shikongo said not only did the participation of schools surpass their expectations, but BTG initiative also served as a vehicle to engage pupils in the awareness of diverse career choices available to them in Namibia, such as the unique career options available in the marine diamond industry as part of Debmarine’s school outreach programme.
The maiden sports development competition had 26 schools representing all 14 regions competing in football and netball.
Shikongo added that he event not only promotes economic development and a healthy lifestyle but also acts as a catalyst for social cohesion among the youth.
“We believe sports development is an important component of personal upliftment, the sheer discipline, dedication and commitment required to excel in sports is crucial catalyst for developing astute young professionals much needed in the industry."
The regional trials will be held during May, and thereafter teams will be selected to compete in the national championships in September.
Announcing the winners, Shikongo said 26 schools from the Erongo and //Karas regions represented winners of the 2019 Bridging The Gap games and each school won sports equipment to the tune of N$10 000.
"Forth-six scholars (20 girls and 26 boys) won individual prices. Each player in the winning teams for both sport codes received sports gear valued at N$1 000," he said.
According to sport minister Erastus Uutoni, the sport sector is a big and an expensive sector and the government alone will not be able to attain the desired sports development needs, therefore the ministry appreciates all efforts by stakeholders.
Uutoni also urged the management in youth sports to work together tirelessly.
"You want to stay in the sport sector for how long? Yet your children are suffering, there are no games now. When it comes to sports like soccer, these people have to move up a level, where are they going to play?"
Uutoni also urged the vibrant young scholars to use this opportunity to discover their talents and to help find a career path.
Debmarine Namibia has announced that it will invest in at least two more 'Bridging the Gap' youth tournaments. Last year the diamond company launched the N$2 million youth sport initiative in all 14 regions in the sport codes of under-15 football and under-17 netball.
Following last year's successful pilot event, this year Swakopmund is set to be the host town for the tourney. In the same vein Debmarine handed over the 2019 Bridging the Gap (BTG) awards to winning regions on 30 January in Windhoek.
Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Otto Shikongo said not only did the participation of schools surpass their expectations, but BTG initiative also served as a vehicle to engage pupils in the awareness of diverse career choices available to them in Namibia, such as the unique career options available in the marine diamond industry as part of Debmarine’s school outreach programme.
The maiden sports development competition had 26 schools representing all 14 regions competing in football and netball.
Shikongo added that he event not only promotes economic development and a healthy lifestyle but also acts as a catalyst for social cohesion among the youth.
“We believe sports development is an important component of personal upliftment, the sheer discipline, dedication and commitment required to excel in sports is crucial catalyst for developing astute young professionals much needed in the industry."
The regional trials will be held during May, and thereafter teams will be selected to compete in the national championships in September.
Announcing the winners, Shikongo said 26 schools from the Erongo and //Karas regions represented winners of the 2019 Bridging The Gap games and each school won sports equipment to the tune of N$10 000.
"Forth-six scholars (20 girls and 26 boys) won individual prices. Each player in the winning teams for both sport codes received sports gear valued at N$1 000," he said.
According to sport minister Erastus Uutoni, the sport sector is a big and an expensive sector and the government alone will not be able to attain the desired sports development needs, therefore the ministry appreciates all efforts by stakeholders.
Uutoni also urged the management in youth sports to work together tirelessly.
"You want to stay in the sport sector for how long? Yet your children are suffering, there are no games now. When it comes to sports like soccer, these people have to move up a level, where are they going to play?"
Uutoni also urged the vibrant young scholars to use this opportunity to discover their talents and to help find a career path.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article