Athletics: A Delta story
The long-established culture known by all, original to Delta
Athletics have been a way for schools to engage in constructive peer competition, and to teach life-long lessons rooted in patience, accountability and self-confidence, as far as nearly 90 years back. It has existed in schools throughout Namibia just as long and remains a vital part of school culture. Delta Secondary School Windhoek (DSSW) has embraced this culture with “a unique approach”, said athlete Rose Emvula. Unique here is the fusion between the educational meaning behind the team names and the sports. The school has been divided into three colour-coded teams: Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Each team competes in team spirit and school-history knowledge.
The school vision and ethos rests on the creation of a knowledge-based society and morally motivated culture. This approach was adopted to the athletics and has become the norm at Delta.
The use of radioactive decay particles as team names “[was] genius,” Tangi Vatuva said. This further adds to the important role knowledge plays at Delta. Additionally, these team names were used to motivate a culture of teamwork, respect and responsibility. Teams work together to achieve a goal, respect each other to cooperate and take responsibility for themselves to show good character. This was the driving force behind the team spirit – to be a good team.
The newly inaugurated grade eight learners dominated both the track and field items by their large-numbered participation. Additionally, “[they] showed true patriotism by colorfully showing off their team colours and singing their chants with pride,” athlete Lebeulan Kangandjela said.
There were cheerleaders at every team post. The cheerleaders encouraged continuous cheering for team members, win or lose. “It is very important that we create a community of empowerment. I want to be uplifted wherever I am, so I start by uplifting others. That was our motto as the Alpha cheerleaders,” Alexandrina da Costa said.
The Alpha, Beta and Gamma team identities have long existed at Delta; however, they were recently reintroduced as if for the first time. It is becoming an integral part of the school culture at Delta. Teachers are decorating their classroom doors for the passing folks to see. The culture is now stark - everyone belongs and everyone carries a responsibility.