Windhoek Motor Club launches development training
Youth trained in motor sport
A motor sport development programme held over the weekend was successful.
The Namibian Motor Sport Federation (NMSF), in collaboration with the Windhoek Motor Club, launched a training and development programme for the youth over the weekend.
The programme, which kicked off at the Tony Rust Race Track outside Windhoek, saw a group of 17 children attending from different schools and age groups, with the youngest being seven years of age.
As a start-up and introduction, they were shown around the track to familiarise themselves with the environment, from which they progressed onto the go-karts to test whether they were able to fully operate the karts. This was also used to classify them into groups - from beginner to more advanced.
According to NMSF chairman Bradley Ferreira, there was no need for beginner groups as they all seemed well familiar with the operations. He added that the programme serves as a platform to scout and identify new talent in motor sport and to provide beginner-level training from a young age.
“We need to develop talent and it is important to start with grass root programmes and teach them about health, fitness, diet and exercise from an early age,” he said.
Chairman of the Windhoek Motor Club, Richard Slamet, said he was quite impressed with the outcome and is grateful to the NMSF for starting the programme. “I believe there are many Namibians who are very talented, but unfortunately don’t have the opportunities.”
Slamet said he hopes that the development programme grows not only the club but the country's motor sport classification as well.
Participants Youssef Hassan and his younger brother Amir Hassan are both hoping to follow in their father’s footsteps, while14-year-old Youssef aims to grow within the sport and network and participate on an international level.
“It can create opportunities to travel and showcase and improve on your talents,” he said.
Another participant Jean Gustavo has been a part of motor sport before but had to stop, but he joined the programme to improve on his racing skills and reach greater heights. “My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy for myself and reach Formula 1,” he said.
The programme, which kicked off at the Tony Rust Race Track outside Windhoek, saw a group of 17 children attending from different schools and age groups, with the youngest being seven years of age.
As a start-up and introduction, they were shown around the track to familiarise themselves with the environment, from which they progressed onto the go-karts to test whether they were able to fully operate the karts. This was also used to classify them into groups - from beginner to more advanced.
According to NMSF chairman Bradley Ferreira, there was no need for beginner groups as they all seemed well familiar with the operations. He added that the programme serves as a platform to scout and identify new talent in motor sport and to provide beginner-level training from a young age.
“We need to develop talent and it is important to start with grass root programmes and teach them about health, fitness, diet and exercise from an early age,” he said.
Chairman of the Windhoek Motor Club, Richard Slamet, said he was quite impressed with the outcome and is grateful to the NMSF for starting the programme. “I believe there are many Namibians who are very talented, but unfortunately don’t have the opportunities.”
Slamet said he hopes that the development programme grows not only the club but the country's motor sport classification as well.
Participants Youssef Hassan and his younger brother Amir Hassan are both hoping to follow in their father’s footsteps, while14-year-old Youssef aims to grow within the sport and network and participate on an international level.
“It can create opportunities to travel and showcase and improve on your talents,” he said.
Another participant Jean Gustavo has been a part of motor sport before but had to stop, but he joined the programme to improve on his racing skills and reach greater heights. “My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy for myself and reach Formula 1,” he said.
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