Zebaldt Ngaruka
The energy of ringing cheers and competitive spirit filled the air this past weekend at Okakarara Sports Ground as the Okakarara Sports Day concluded, drawing hundreds of local residents together for a vibrant celebration of athletics and unity.
From high-stakes track sprints to fiercely contested field events, hundreds of participants laced up their trainers to chase glory, camaraderie and Okakarara pride throughout the weekend, despite cloudy weather.
Event organiser Justice Kambuu Kavari, who is also the Okakarara Sports Officer, told New Era Sport
that the event was aimed at reviving the sport across the vast constituencies of the Otjozondjupa region.
The inaugural event began with athletics on Saturday morning, with runners competing in the 5km and 10km runs, before attention shifted to football and netball during the day.
On Saturday evening, the boxing bouts concluded the day’s proceedings at the Okakarara Trade Fair.
In the 5km marathon competition, Willem Karuuombe won the over-50 age category, with Justice Kavari and Betuel Hiiho taking second and third, respectively.
Alexandrine Zaongara won the 5 km race in the female category of the 18 to 35 age group, with Monica Penda in second and Tabea Ohlendorf in third.
In the male category (18 to 35), Kaundandi Tjihimise won the 5km, followed by Sabiola Fabby in second, with Nelly Noel taking third.
In the 10km female category (18-35), Martha Angala came first, challenged by Veronica Ndamanepo; Helvi Lihekeni came third. In the male category, Kamaaizemi Kavetu won first place.
Uakutura Katjinamunene and Dennis Kuaseua followed in second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, in netball, Okakarara Vocational Training Centre (OVTC) defeated Okakarara Secondary School 16-11, while Epukiro Masters stunned Okakarara Legends 20-10.
In football, Erari FC suffered a heavy defeat, falling 1-4 to Okakarara Young Warriors A in the first match.
In the second match, Okakarara Young Warriors B crushed Okakarara VTC 4-2, followed by a much-anticipated encounter between Erari Masters and Epukiro Masters.
Epukiro Masters disappointed Erari Masters on their home ground, winning 4-2.
Lu and Bizza Boxing Academy emerged as the best boxing team after winning five gold medals at the event.
Morning Stars Boxing Academy claimed second place with four gold medals, and boxer Festus Leonard was named best boxer of the tournament.
Event organiser Kavari thanked all the participants for making the event possible, saying that this was a starting point and that it will be an annual event going forward.
“I am happy that we have started and learned more about hosting it going forward. The turnout was satisfactory, and we hope to improve next year,” he said.
“We are challenged by a lack of sponsorship for these types of events, and thus we are requesting more support from businesses and stakeholders. Sport is the greatest equaliser, and investment in sport development requires all stakeholders.”
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