Gravel in long jump pit, track torn
The administrators of school athletics had to scramble on Monday to find solutions for the next two scheduled zonal competitions for primary schools in Khomas.
Significant damage was left behind at Independence Stadium following Namibia’s planned independence celebrations and the inauguration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.While politicians continued to send messages of congratulations to each other for the series of newly announced ministerial appointments, administrators and coaches of track and field events were once again left speechless by the disregard for property of national importance.
This after the national army trained here for last weekend’s historic celebrations and event, which was then ironically moved to Parliament due to forecasts of heavy rain.
The metal cage that protects spectators and the public from any accidents during the discus events was broken free from its permanent structure and left in a ditch separating the track from the pavilion.
Unlike previous occasions, athletics experts were not approached this time to help prevent damage in the removal of the metal cage as an unwanted obstacle during official events.
In several places, the athletics track was torn, or detached from the surface beneath it, creating an uneven surface and increasing the risk of injury.
Gravel used in road construction was dumped into the long jump pit to create a hard, level surface to drive on. However, most of this was removed by Monday in an attempt to leave the facilities as they were found.
On Monday school athletics administrators were scrambling to find solutions for the next two scheduled zonal competitions for primary schools in Khomas – Zone D was scheduled for Tuesday and Zone C for Thursday.
These events have already had to be postponed three times due to the recent period of mourning and the resulting state memorial service for the late founding president Sam Nujoma with foreign delegates attending the memorial service at Independence Stadium.
Alternative venues have already been booked for other sporting events. According to information provided to Network Media Hub, Tuesday's competition for barefoot primary school athletes continued, despite certain events being affected by the conditions in the stadium.
Athletes who live with visual impairments and are part of schools for learners with special needs are part of the two zonal competitions taking place this week. - [email protected]