TimeTronics CEO markets N$9m dream for Nam athletics
Athletics
TimeTronics bvba, a global leader in innovative sports products, yesterday urged Namibia to invest in the finest and most advanced track and field equipment.The Belgium-based company’s CEO, Kim Peeters, believes that Namibian athletes could greatly benefit from the equipment TimeTronics offers to clients around the world.
Peeters, who is currently on a tour of several countries in southern Africa, is offering to sell the latest versions of photofinishing equipment.
The CEO also revealed that a full set of this equipment could cost Namibia approximately N$9.3 million.
“Many pieces of equipment in Africa are outdated, and this prevents athletics organisations from recording and keeping proper data on their athletes," Peeters said.
“The modern TimeTronics equipment will, however, boost Namibia’s chances of hosting big events on the world athletics calendar.
“Since 2014, everybody worldwide is being measured the same in different events thanks to equipment of such nature,” he added.
Sport Wrap understands that Namibia’s current equipment dates back ten years.
For this reason, the country is being urged to replace its track and field photo-finishing equipment to meet world athletics standards.
“It is also important for schools to have some of this equipment because it helps with talent detection and helps athletes familiarise themselves with this tech from a young age,” the CEO added.
Need identified
Namibia’s race director, Bethold Karumendu, agreed with Peeters, stating that such equipment is needed in Namibia.
“Towards the end of 2023, world athletics came up with guidelines in terms of equipment that are accredited,” Karumendu explained.
“Athletics in Namibia is growing and we definitely want a full set of this equipment,” he noted.
The type of full set Namibia will need to buy includes a start and finish technological system, along with athletics manager software for managing track and field results.
A WindSpeed wind gauge, which uses electronic and sonic wind-speed measurement, is also available and has been recommended as mandatory for international events.
The company also offers a Video Arbitration System (VAS) to ensure no results are missed and to aid the result verification process.
Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya expressed his satisfaction with Peeters’ visit.
“To have the CEO of TimeTronics visiting various countries, including Namibia, is a blessing to us. Sport has transformed, and that is why it is important for us to learn about the technology that is available,” Mwiya remarked.