Obrein Simasiku
The Namibia Desert Diamond, Namdia is hatching plans to set up and host athletic games, dubbed ‘Diamond League Athletics’, along similar principles as the international Diamond League series.
The idea is to invite international sportsman and woman to partake in the athletic event in Namibia.
Although still in its infancy as it remains an idea that still needs to be approved by the board of directors if proved viable, the diamond company says it is committed to supporting and promoting sports in the country.
“We are contemplating on organising an Athletics Diamond League, in which we want to invite international athletes to come and join. Because this is the only way we can grow sports in our country, and its only possible by engaging, training and competing with the best in the world,” said Namdia Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Hamutenya.
“As it stands we find our athletes that train in Jamaica, thanks to the good relationship our countries have. Thus, it can only help us become better if we compete with the best, and eventually win them over, hence we are looking at the top countries such as the US to also join once this league materialises,” he added.
Hamutenya said this during the handover of a N$400 000 sponsorship to Athletics Namibia, which is set to send a team of 15 to compete at the African Championship games in Mauritius next week.
He therefore, said this is a complex project, which NAMDIA will need to look into partnership with other corporates such as MTC, Namdeb, among others.
“We just hope the board will give us blessing to explore this opportunity which will eventually unleash the potentials of our local athletes,” said Hamutenya.
