Team Namibia blessed for Commonwealth Games

Sport Minister Jerry Ekandjo has urged athletes to represent the country with pride, and not to be discouraged if they do not win any medals. He made the statement on Wednesday during the sending-off ceremony of Team Namibia to the Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3. The Namibian team of 33 athletes will compete in track and field, cycling, boxing, lawn bowling, power lifting, triathlon, wrestling and shooting. The team also includes athletes with disabilities. “Have confidence in yourself when you go to Scotland, because there will be thousands and thousands of people. You must go there knowing that other athletes from other countries have prepared well. But all I want you to do is take part and put Namibia on the map,” said Ekandjo. The minister told the athletes that there is no one putting pressure on them to win, but he will be proud if they represent the country as good ambassadors, and look at the Commonwealth Games as a learning board for future events which they will participate in. The sport minister will also be in Scotland for the Games from today until July 28. Speaking at the same event, the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture Dr Vetumbuavi Veii urged all athletes to do their best. “You are ambassadors of this country when in Scotland, and your behaviour and discipline with your managers needs to be good, because these people are leaving their own children and families behind to be with you. So, show them the respect they deserve,” he urged. Marathon runner Helalia Johannes will be Namibia’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony on July 23, while cyclist Dan Craven will be the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony on August 3. The athletes and 21 officials will leave for Glasgow today. Namibia won three medals during the last edition of the Games in New Delhi, India in 2010. Japhet Uutoni won silver in boxing, Paralympics athlete Johanna Benson scooped a bronze medal in the 100m women's final and Gaby Ahrens got bronze in shooting. WINDHOEK NAMPA