Fingers crossed during pandemic

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISAWINDHOEKThe Namibian sport fraternity has been caught in uncertain times as they prepare for the year 2022, with the coronavirus pandemic still posing a threat to the future of sport in Namibia.In the past, sport federations were quick to draw up their yearly plans as early as January or even December.Things have changed, however, as most events can only be scheduled tentatively depending on the twists and turns taken by the pandemic. Last year the pandemic ruined the plans of many as it brought several sport activities to a halt. Some events were postponed, while others were cancelled outright.“We do have our plan out, but we are just not sure how the pandemic will behave. As I speak there are big uniform forces planned for Southern Africa but we are still very much wary that they might not even take place.“If you look at other countries around the world, activities are being halted and that remains a worrying sign for us here in Namibia,” Chief Kenneth Mwatara of the uniformed forces said. Football matches in the English Premier League, a country with a much higher vaccination rate than Namibia, are also hanging by a thread as some have to be postponed due to outbreaks in football camps.Local administrators here in Namibia are also warry of the situation in England and therefore hoping that their annual plans are not disturbed.“We have a calendar in place and we are excited for the year 2022 but still, anything can happen with the pandemic.“We will however push to get things done as long as there are no restrictions and things do not change for the worst in the coming months,” Helmo Minza of Fistball Namibia said.Khomas Netball’s Dimitri Bitler is shared the same fears as other sport administrators but is optimistic about the prospects.“Yes, we are worried about the whole situation and that is why we want to start as early as possible because we know that winter will come and it is that time that the virus worsens.“It is indeed a tough time but we are going to try all possible things to make sure that the game is played.”Nestor Tobias of MTC Boxing also believes that taking boxing to the people will depend on the behaviour of the virus.“We have good plans this year to continue taking boxing to the people and to continue producing world champions.“We are however aware that the pandemic is still in our midst and we will have to be ready for anything to happen because that has become the new normal.“So, yes, it is a challenge but we are going to do the best we can, even during this crisis,” Tobias said. Mervin Kamenje who organises rural tournaments, is hoping for the best.“Last year we did not have the tournament called off during December like in 2020 but we will not relax and think the storm is over.“We remain cautious in our planning and hopeful that the pandemic will not affect the sport fraternity that much again,” he said.

Fingers crossed during pandemic

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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Fingers crossed during pandemic

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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