Handover of Equipment to 2023 Bridging the Gap Winners

10 May 2024

Following the successful edition of Bridging the Gap games last year, Debmarine Namibia handover equipment to 2023 Bridging the Gap winner recently.

Kunene Region emerged victorious in Football, Khomas Region took Athletics and Netball respectively. Each school in winning region represented will receive sports kit and equipment worth N$10,000, regardless of the number of players from a particular school. In additional, all players from that specific region and officials will each receive N$1,500 worth of footwear.

Runner-up Region were ||Kharas, Otjozondjupa Omaheke of which each school represented in the runner-up team will receive sports kit worth N$5,000 and all players will receive a N$750 worth of footwear prize for athletics football and netball.

Total prize money for schools equipment is N$720,000, while for individual learners amounts N$190,000

In 2018 Debmarine Namibia with an imprementation partner Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU) decided to support the development of school sports, focusing on football and netball initially and eventually adding athletics in the 2022 edition. These sports are undeniably the most accessible and popular among Namibian children.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Debmarine Namibia CEO Willy Mertens said that another important aspect for this youth competition is a strategy by Debmarine Namibia as a school outreach opportunity to promote awareness on bursaries and career opportunities in marine diamond recovery focusing on Grade 8 – 12 learners.

“I firmly believe in the power of sports as an agent for social change. As the private sector, we have a responsibility to assist the government in developing sports, which not only provide career opportunities but also help alleviate youth unemployment. With clear goals and renewed effort, we can harness the potential of sports to improve the lives of our youth.

This initiative, initially planned for three years, has proven its worth. Debmarine Namibia is looking forward to returning to the engagement table with NSSU and affiliates to review this initiative to map the way forward.