Battle of the giants

Zonals are back
Athletes at the revived zonal athletics competition competed in a variety of sports, including long jump, 100, 200 and 1 000-metre races, as well as high jump, javelin, discus and short put.
Rosalia Kamati
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual zonal athletics competition were held on 17 February at the Independence Stadium in Olympia.

The participating schools were Hage Geingob High School, C.J. Brandt, Highline, Ananias Shipena (A. Shipena) and Havana Project High School.

This year's zonals were an excellent way to kick off the year and the ongoing sports season.

A cheerful event

Athletes competed in a variety of sports, including long jump, 100, 200 and 1 000-metre races, as well as high jump, javelin, discus and short put.

Hage Geingob High School organisers decided to make the athletes' day special by providing transportation to the stadium so that all students could attend the games and cheer on their classmates.

The athletes were well rested and prepared for the day, though some were nervous. Hendrina Kalume, an athlete from Hage Geingob High School, said: "It was scary at first; I was scared of losing, but at the end of the day, it went well, and I was happy; my school was there cheering for me; it was an amazing feeling."

Great achievements

Despite the extreme heat, the athletes delivered an outstanding performance and competed for the top titles.

Some teachers ran alongside their students during the 100, 200 and 1000-metre races to encourage and amuse them. The day was undoubtedly eventful, with learners and teachers wearing smiles all day. The cheerleader performances by some of the schools were the icing on the cake.

Refreshments and snacks were sold during the event, and music and other side activities entertained the students. One of the schoolteachers expressed her delight and pride in the athletes' performances. Overall, while some felt they could have done better, the athletes were pleased with their performances.