Pupkewitz Foundation Coaching Course and Open Athletics Championships slated for December

Swakopmund will be the place to be for not only those looking for festive season relaxation at the beach but also those who want to close the year off with participation in the Open Athletics Championships.

The Athletics Development Club (ADC) in Swakopmund, which started in March 2021 as a new development club, will give athletes the opportunity to compete in the Pupkewitz Foundation Open Athletics Championships taking place on 22 to 23 December.

In a statement, Mr Hennie Horn, the President of Athletics Development Club, said that the ADC and the Pupkewitz Foundation are working around the clock to identify new talent, offer support training to athletes and coaches as well as giving the athletes the opportunity to compete.

“The Pupkewitz Foundation Open Athletics Championships will be held on the 22^nd (Age Groups 6 to 12) and 23^rd (Age Groups 13 to senior) of December 2021 respectively. Athletes with disabilities will also take part. Numerous schools and clubs from across the country started entering their athletes already. The closing date for entering is 10 December 2021,” Horn said.

“Results are ever improving and we expect very good results for this upcoming Championships. An electronic timing system will be utilized to legitimize results. First, second and third place in each item will be awarded a medal as well as Overall Best Performer per category (i.e. sprints, jumps, hurdles, middle distance and throws). Furthermore athletes will also compete for the Victor and Victrix ludorum in different age groups.”

Prior to the Championships, ADC with the support of Pupkewitz Foundation and in conjunction with Athletics Namibia (AN), will conduct a two day coaching course to forty coaches. This training starts on the 20^th and be concluded by the afternoon on the 21^st of December 2021.

The AN Basic Coaching course consists of a theory and practical part. On successful completion coaches will receive a certificate from Athletics Namibia.

“The more we invest in developing coaches, the easier it becomes to identify new talent and conduct regional training.

“This Pupkewitz Foundation Athletics Championships will be memorable and I hope each parent/coach/official and athlete will enjoy every moment of it. Namibia has talent, so let us showcase them and identify our future stars,” he said.

In the photo: Some of those who scooped awards at the Pupkewitz athletics event that took place in September.