The Namibia National Olympic Committee is set to play host to a women and sport’s event on June 27 at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek ©NNOC

The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) is set to play host to a women and sport’s event on June 27 at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek.

The event, which is anticipated to be held annually, will honour women who have made “big strides” in sport and since retired.

The first woman who will be honoured for her contributions is Malie Snyman, a former netball player and Executive Board member of the All Namibia Netball Association at Independence.

The 76-year-old is still active in supporting netball to this day, despite having previously suffered a heart attack and overcome a battle with cancer.

The proceeds of the event will support the NNOC’s social responsibility course and will therefore be shared between a charity of Snyman's choice and her medical expenses.

Agnes Tjongarero, who was appointed Namibia's Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service in April, will be the guest of honour, while famous South African singer Juanita du Plessis will be the guest artist.

Five female Namibian athletes competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games - shooter Gaby Diana Ahrens, sprinter Merilyn Diamond, 400 metres runner Tjipekapora Herunga, and marathon runners Helalia Johannes and Beata Naigambo - but failed to secure a medal.

Gaby Diana Ahrens was one of five female Namibian athletes to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Gaby Diana Ahrens was one of five female Namibian athletes to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted four Namibian athletes scholarships, through its Olympic Solidarity programme, in their bid to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

Triathlete Drikus Coetzee will benefit from the programme along with 110m hurdler Fred-Charles Pieterse, and wrestlers Angula Shikongo and Jason Afrikaner.

Since making its Olympic debut at Barcelona 1992, Namibia has won four silver medals, all via sprinter Frank Fredericks.

Fredericks, now a member of the IOC, finished second in both the 100m and 200m events at Barcelona 1992 before repeating the exact same feat at Atlanta 1996.


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