New Era

WINDHOEK – The usually calculated Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Reverend Willem Konjore, has minced no words and told sport administrators in no uncertain terms to jack up their act and make their particular disciplines accessible to all inhabitants of the country.

Konjore, speaking at the launch of the 11th edition of the annual All Africa Waterski Championship in Windhoek yesterday, said affirmative action in sport is a tool that the government believes will help level the proverbial playing field.

Although he acknowledged the fact that the Namibia Waterski Association has invested heavily in coaching and upgrading facilities in an effort to develop this particular discipline, leading to a tremendous growth in participants, Konjore remained unfazed and said much work still lies ahead in terms of development and taking Waterski to the remotest parts of Namibia.

“As leaders, we should take the lead in correcting the imbalances created by apartheid and cannot leave it to the whims of forces that are unsympathetic to the poor. It may create pain and hardships to some, but affirmative action is a necessary tool for the long term good of our country.”

Konjore applauded the sponsors who have formed alliances in making sure that the event becomes a success.

“This notable and valuable gesture demonstrates the need for continued cooperation between the government, Namibia Sports Commission and the corporate sector to promote sport in the country that will ultimately lead to our athletes to excel at international level.”

The minister urged the athletes to adhere to the code of conduct for sport bodies.

“As recipients of national colours, it’s expected of the administrators, athletes and coaches to promote and ensure a culture of uniformity, discipline and friendly disposition amongst yourselves.”

He reminded participants that the days of entering major events to make up numbers are long gone. “It’s time that we go out there and compete against the world’s best,” concluded Konjore.

Namibia will play host to the 11th edition of the All Africa Waterski Championships – starting on the 1st of next month at the Von Bach Dam near Okahandja.

The hosts have selected a strong team of 20 skiers led by veteran skier Andre Mostert.

• The Namibian team reads as follows:
Dieter Kebbel, Uwe Brockmann, Kai Brockmann, Kyron Sprake, Silja Waldschmidt, Silvia Schmidt, Jana Kiesewetter, Natasha Rottcher, Ronja Waldschmidt, Wico Coetzee, Marco Kiesewetter, Andre Mostert and Volker Shultz.

Development team:
Luke Schmidt, Devon Sprake, Hiedi Kebbel, Jolynde Aucamp, Gerald Rottcher, Jean-Paul Wehnert and Silvia Schultz.

Team Manager: Martin Schmidt
Coach: Heike Schulz

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