Staff Reporter
THE Namibia School Sports Union (NSSU) has sent a team of 12 athletes to Manama, Bahrain, to participate in the 2024 International School Sport Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade, taking place from Wednesday, 23 October 2024, to Thursday, 31 October 2024.
The team departed Namibia on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, and will return on Friday, 1 November 2024. Rogerdeltry Kambatuku, NSSU’s National Coordinator, revealed that the team, comprising six girls and six boys, was selected during the National Athletics Championships held in Windhoek from 10 to 12 May 2024.
He revealed that the six girls are Leena Ekandjo, Linda Ndemuta Hailulu, Kazaatjo Kambiri, Diana Valendelwa Kosmos, Liezel Mwiza Munyaza, and Alexandra Veronique Scheepers, while the six boys are Delano Apollus, Etienne Lombaard, Martin Nghililewanga, William Bartlo Van Wyk, Burger Wilhelm Oelofsen, and Lodewikus L’Wyk Viljoen.
“This will be the third time that Namibia, under the banner of the NSSU, will participate in the ISF Gymnasiade after competing in the inaugural edition in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2021 and the U/15 Gymnasiade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last year (2023),” Kambatuku explained.
He confirmed that the team will be accompanied by seven officials this year: Teofilus Nuugulu, Head of Delegation; Ngatunuevi Matundu, Deputy Head of Delegation; Liebhardt Mogotsi, Coach; Royal Sanyambe, Boys’ Team Manager; Ilona Tuaandi, Girls’ Team Manager; Donatha Ngunovandu, Team Medic; and Sakaria Mwaal, Safeguarding Officer.
“The 2024 ISF Gymnasiade represents more than just a competition. It is a convergence of youth, talent, and the spirit of international cooperation as athletes compete in 26 different sports codes. At NSSU, we are grateful that we can provide these Namibian youth with an opportunity and a stage where they can showcase their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship in a truly global arena,” Kambatuku added.
