Dance team needs funds for Commonwealth challenge

Dance Sport Namibia is in need of financial assistance to help realise its dream of allowing dancers to compete at its first ever International Dance Organisation (IDO) Commonwealth dance championship.

The championship will be held at Sun City Resort in South Africa from 3 to 8 September 2017.

Speaking at a media conference in the capital on Friday, Venancius Rukero, the interim secretary of Dance Sport Namibia, said the organisation is currently in need of N$100 000 to cater for entry fees, accommodation and meals during their participation at the competition.

“We spoke to the government about this championships and they have committed to avail transport for us, but as a newly established organisation, we do not have the funds to cater for the rest of our needs,” he said.

Rukero said this is the first time that dancing is recognised as a sport code in Namibia, adding that the organisation will select 16 dancers who will represent the country at the championships, which will see the best in the world compete against each other.

“This year we want to participate at this Commonwealth dance championships as a test drive to see how things are done at the bigger stage,” he said.

The IDO Commonwealth Dance Championships are held every second year in a different Commonwealth member country.

Some of the IDO disciplines are performing arts, street dance and special couple dances.

Dance Sport Namibia is a new member of the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC), Dance Sport Federation and the Namibia Sports Commission. - Nampa