Sport awards to go ahead

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa WINDHOEKThe Namibia Sports Commission has hinted at a postponement of the 2020 annual sport awards, but maintained that there is no way the commission will fail to reward athletes for their achievements. With many global sport events postponed or at a standstill, there were concerns that the 2020 NSC awards might not take place. The event, which awards the country's top sporting performers, usually takes place in October, but hosting the ceremony this year largely depends on whether the coronavirus outbreak can be controlled. Mwiya however reassured the sport community that the pandemic will not stop the commission from awarding top sporting stars.Balancing the situation “It is a difficult period for athletes but I can assure them now that they will be awarded for their achievements.“The lockdown may continue and athletes might not have a chance to compete in global events for a while now, but the good thing is that we started counting this achievement from September 2019,” Mwiya said.As things stand, it means that the athletes and federations will be judged and selected on the work done from September 2019 to February 2020. Date shifting The other option will be by extending the date of the awards to December.“I believe that by shifting the date further, there will be time for athletes to accumulate more points if the pandemic is put under control. “The most important thing is that we have athletes who have done exceptionally well in the past six months and it will be unfair if they are not recognised,” Mwiya noted. Last year the awards were held at Ongwediva.Marathon runner Helalia Johannes took both the MTC sports star and the sportswoman of the year awards for her phenomenal achievements.Lifetime awards were also awarded to Carol Garoes, Vetumbuavi Veii, Bravo Mufeti, Elifas Shivute, Jason Petrus and Carlos Kambaekwa for their contributions to sport over the years.Athletics coach Robert Kaxuxeuna received the chairperson's excellence award. Importance of awardsMwiya emphasised the importance of the awards, saying they have served as motivation for athletes to do better for their country. “These awards will always remain important on our calendar because of the positives they carry.“People are motivated to work harder whenever they know that they will be awarded at the end of the year,” Mwiya said.

Sport awards to go ahead

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

Please login to leave a comment

Sport awards to go ahead

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login