Street Classic officially launched in Windhoek
A major new athletics event was officially launched in the capital yesterday, with athletics coach Henk Botha confirming that the Namibia Street Classic will bring some of the world’s top track and field athletes to the country later this month.
The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, is scheduled to take place from 27 to 28 March at Windhoek High School Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek.
Organisers have confirmed a shift from the originally planned street setup in the city centre.
Speaking during the official launch, event organiser and athletics coach Henk Botha said the meeting will give Namibians a rare opportunity to experience world-class athletics while also creating exposure for local athletes.
“This is going to be something nobody has ever seen on this continent,” said Botha.
“Namibians love sport and competitiveness, and this event will be an amazing experience. There will be picnic areas, places to buy food and a festive atmosphere throughout the whole event.”
World-leading athletes
The two-day programme will feature elite international competition alongside youth athletics events, with Namibian under-17 and under-18 athletes set to compete in various disciplines during the event.
Among the biggest names expected to compete is world-leading shot put star Joe Kovacs, a multiple world champion and Olympic medallist.
He could be joined by New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, another major contender who has won medals at the highest level of international competition.
The pole vault event is also expected to attract global attention with the participation of American stars Sam Kendricks and Sandi Morris, both among the world’s leading competitors in the discipline.
“Just imagine seeing athletes flying five or six metres into the air in the pole vault,” said Botha.
“It’s something very special, and many people in Namibia have never had the chance to see it live before.”
Local line-up
Several South African athletes are also expected to compete, strengthening the international field.
Namibia’s own athletes will also feature prominently. Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma is preparing to compete in the 60-metre sprint, even though the distance is shorter than her usual race.
“The 60 metres is not Christine’s favourite distance, but she’s strong and competitive, and we believe she can fight for a place in the final,” said Botha.
Local sprinter Gilbert Hainuka is also expected to line up in the 60 metres and could challenge for a place in the final.
In the field events, Namibian long jumper Lionel Coetzee, an eight-metre jumper, is another athlete expected to excite the home crowd.
Botha encouraged the public to support the event, saying tickets will go on sale next week.
“Please buy your tickets and make sure you don’t miss out,” he said.
“We want the stadium to be full and the atmosphere to be something special.”
