WINDHOEK: The 31st edition of the Quinton-Steele Botes (QSB) athletics and training camp began in the capital on Wednesday, with over 120 athletes in attendance.
Established in 1993 by the late Namibian athletics administrator, Quinton-Steele Botes who died in 2014, the four-day clinic focuses on the fundamental principles of all athletics events, including sprints, hurdles, throw, high and long jump.
Athletes of all ages will receive training in field and track events, as well as psychological and motivational speaking at the Independence Stadium from Wednesday to Saturday, in preparation for the upcoming athletics season.
The training will be conducted by several coaches, including Henk Botha the coach of Namibia’s Olympic Games silver medallist Christine Mboma, South African high jump coach Jonathan Greyvenstein, and long jump coach Charlie Strohmenger.
Meanwhile, Dutch long-distance coach Grete Koens will also be sharing her expertise alongside top middle long-distance runners from the Netherlands who
are attending a training camp in the country.
Apart from Botha, Namibian discus thrower Ryan Williams will be alongside coach Robert Wheal, FC Pieters, Carl Swanepoel, and Tangeni Nakale will also be sharing their expertise.
Event Organiser Leoni van Rensburg told Nampa on Wednesday that it’s exciting to see athletes still coming in numbers to attend the camp, which has been hosted for the last 31 years.
Van Rensburg also expressed gratitude to the sponsors who have been backing the camp, stating that their support makes life easier for the organizers.
‘Our goal with this camp remains the same as we aim to unearth new talent as well as make a difference in these athletes’ lives and careers,’ she said adding that the training camp is expected to teach athletes new skills that can help them perform better during the new athletics season.
Meanwhile, Joan Smit, Secretary-General of the Namibia National Olympic Committee, called on athletes to give their best as this training will present them with an opportu
nity to enhance Namibia’s representation and performance in major international competitions.
Smit added that through the Olympic Solidarity program, they can help fund athletes who are preparing for qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency