NAPSO gearing up for athletics in Otjiwarongo

Celebrating competition and community
The annual Napso Athletics Weekend, hosted by Edugate Academy in Otjiwarongo this year, brings together private schools from across the country for two days of top-level competition.
Rozanne Swart
  • 6 Days Ago

The Namibian Private Schools Organisation (NAPSO) Athletics Weekend is always a highlight during the first term of the school year.

The annual event brings together NAPSO schools from across the country to compete in a full programme of athletics events. This year, the competition will be hosted by Edugate Academy in Otjiwarongo on 13 and 14 March at the Paresis Park sports grounds.

Hanjo de Klerk, Head of Athletics at NAPSO, emphasised the significance of the event. “For the NAPSO community, this weekend is the social glue that binds our schools, parents and supporters. It is not just about competition, but about strengthening ties between communities that are often far apart.”

He added that the aim is to provide athletes with a fair platform to showcase their talents at the highest level. “Spectators can expect top-quality athletics. Along with the action on the track, there is the unparalleled NAPSO spirit. This is a festival of talent where the spirit of sportsmanship is always the winner.”

Ina Fransman, the NAPSO Athletics organising teacher at Edugate Academy, described the weekend as a space where friendships are formed and connections renewed.

Kristien Booysen, long jump coach at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, expressed confidence in her athletes’ preparation. “They have competed in several meets already, which has helped them adjust to the pressure and routine of competition days. They know what goals they want to achieve,” she said. “We have prepared them well for previous competitions, so we are maintaining their training and ensuring they believe in both their preparation and their abilities.”

Liné Griesel (16), an u/17 long-distance athlete competing in the 3 000m, 1 500m and 800m for Moria, said she and her teammates have been training daily. “We are preparing to run our best times yet this season,” she said.

She added that competing at NAPSO helps her handle pressure. “It exposes me to competitive situations and helps me overcome challenges, not only in athletics but in other areas of my life as well.”

Fransman emphasised that the safety and well-being of athletes and spectators remain a priority. “We have engaged the police, military personnel and security teams to ensure that everyone attending the event is safe,” she said.