Athletics Namibia successfully hosts 1st leg of Regional Club Challenge

SWAKOPMUND, Jan. 24 – Athletics Namibia (AN) successfully hosted the 1st leg of Regional Club Challenge over the weekend on Veneta Sports Fields, Swakopmund.

Athletes started this years 1st leg with great enthusiasm and excitement, showing fierce competitiveness according to the president of AN, Erwin Naimhwaka.

“It was a great performance by the athletes. All the athletes and clubs showed up for the 1st leg. We have witnessed a great performance by all the junior and senor athletes. Athletes have shown discipline and interest in athletics as usual by displaying outstanding performances in every item that was scheduled for the day,” he said.

He added that AN competitions are getting bigger and better every year and a lot is to be harvested from this year’s competition by athletes.

Naimhwaka explained that Coca Cola has been a reliable supporter and partner of Athletics Namibia through thick and thin.

“Even when the economic circumstances are not favorable they have maintained their commitment to athletics and sport in general in Namibia. Athletics Namibia is committed to strengthen our relationship with Coca Cola through the coca cola regional club challenge. We hope to grow the event to all corners of Namibia and reach out to as many Namibian youth and athletes through the support by Coca Cola. Other corporate Namibia are welcome to come on board and support our youth and athletes,” he said.

In the women’s 100-meter dash finals Jolene Jacobs of Welwitschia scooped the fist spot 77, by running 12.09 seconds followed by her team mate Mberihonga Kandovazu running 12.84 seconds in second place, while Marchadrv Hedricks of Strider Track and Field finished third with a personal best time of 13.34 seconds.

In the men’s 100-meter dash event, Even Tjiviju of Namibia Correctional Services won in a time of 11.03 seconds. Tomas Ndunge of Future Energy Luderitz finished second in the time of 11.10 second and third place was won by Ismael Tjiramba of Unam Athletics Club with 11.14.

Female athletes compete in the 100m sprint

The women’s 400 meters hurdles was been won by Perpetua Simataa of Striders Track and Field in a time of 1: 12: 39 followed by Chantelle Louw and Cindy Huber both from the Windhoek Hochland Sports in the second and third places running recording running times of 1:12:39 and 1:15: 76 respectively.

In the men’s 800 meter run event Daniel Nghipandulwa came out on top recording time of 1: 57: 64 followed by David with time of 1:57 94 while Eugen Krandenburg come in the third place recording a time of 1: 59 26.

Ryan Williams of Windhoek Hochland Sport come our victorious in the men’s Discus, throwing distance of 35. 447 meters; Clark Seibeb of Omaruru Athletic club recording a distance throw of 31.72 meters while Dirk Potgieter recorded distance throw of 31.97 meters.

Karlien Botha recorded 35.47 winning the fist place; Conette Smith won the second place with a throw of 31.72 meters and Hildrid Mouton come in the third place with a distance throw of 26.00 meters.

In men’s Short Put event Ryan William once again come out on to with a distance throw of 13.55 meters; Clark Seibeb with a throwing distance of 11.38 meters in second place and Felix Makubi come out in third place recording a distance throw of 11.32 meters.
Women’s Short Put event has been won by Conette Smith recording a distance throw of 10.09 meters; Karlien Botha in second place with a distance throw of 9.47 meters while Maria Eele come out third with a distance throw of 8.64 meters.

Men’s Long Jump event was won by Sandro Diergaardt while Emmanuel Samantu ended in the the second and third places respectively.

Women’s Long Jump event was won by Jesse Joseph while Bianca Manuel and Globine Mayova claiming the end and third positions respectively.

Men’s and women’s High Jump event first place was scooped by Emmanuel Samantu and Maria Grunak.

The 2nd leg of the regional club challenge is scheduled to take place in on the 17th February at Oshakati, Oshana region. – Jonsey Douglas.