Taapopi tournament secures N$33,000 in sponsorships
The 27th edition of the ALV Consulting Engineers–Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School Sport Tournament has received a major boost after raising N$33,000 in sponsorships and pledges during its official launch at Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School on Monday.
The amount surpasses the N$18,000 raised during last year's launch, highlighting growing support for one of Namibia's leading school sports tournaments.
The competition will take place from 12 to 14 June 2026 and is organised by Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School in collaboration with Kashipu Investments CC.
Speaking at the launch, school principal Sakaria Eelu said sport plays a vital role in the overall development of learners by teaching teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership.
He said tournaments of this nature not only promote physical fitness but also build confidence and create opportunities for young athletes to excel.
Eelu thanked the sponsors for their continued commitment, noting that their contributions have enabled the tournament to grow and benefit more learners each year.
Former learner and current school board member Sandro Ithana, who introduced the sponsors and facilitated the pledging process, encouraged businesses and individuals to continue giving back to their communities.
He noted that even small contributions can have a significant impact on the lives of young people and said this year's fundraising success reflects a collective determination to improve on previous achievements.
Main sponsor ALV Consulting Engineers once again demonstrated its support by contributing N$8,000, the largest single donation and the same amount it pledged in 2025.
Representing the company, Teofilia Ruben said investing in youth through sport forms part of its social responsibility programme.
She explained that sport develops important values such as discipline, teamwork, commitment and leadership while helping to shape future generations.
Ruben added that the company is honoured to remain the main sponsor and proud to have the tournament carry the ALV Consulting Engineers name.
Several other sponsors also came on board to support the event. Highway Filling Station donated N$2,500, while Omulunga Radio contributed N$2,000 and committed airtime for interviews and tournament coverage. Okapya Liner Transport and Washinuna Trading CC each donated N$1,500, while Extreme Marketing contributed N$1,200.
Mayweather CC, owned by Phillip Dala, sponsored 54 medals for the women's football competition and will also provide the African Stars Queens Arena as one of the tournament venues.
Abraham Mwanyekange, popularly known as DJ DaSilva, donated football boots for the best player in the girls' football tournament, while the NSSU Oshana Region sponsored N$500 for the most disciplined basketball team.
This year's tournament will feature boys' and girls' football, netball, volleyball, boys' and girls' basketball, and chess, with a total prize pool exceeding N$40,000.
The official draw will be held at the Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School Hall on 12 June at 21:30, with participating schools requested to send two representatives. Competition begins on 13 June, and schools from across Namibia are invited to participate in what promises to be another exciting celebration of school sport and youth talent.
