Historic turnout at Arysteq and Simonis schools event

The fourth leg of the Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm Schools Tournament Series saw a record turnout of 46% girl participants in the history of the series.

Recently concluded at St Joseph’s Primary School in Rehoboth, the tournament’s historic turnout marked a milestone of 35 girls out of 76 learners, with the rest being boys.

In a statement issued by the Namibia Table Tennis Association (NTTA) on Tuesday, the association welcomed the growing inclusivity and impact of the tournament and its sponsors.

“A special mention goes to Elim Primary School, which debuted in the series with a strong contingent of 18 players. This underlines the expanding reach of the sport,” the statement read.

The tournament saw standout performances in the U11 to U19 age categories across the boys and girls sections.

U19 girls: 1 Suverasaneje Ikorua (Olof Palme Primary School), 2 Faith Iiyambo (Khomastura High School), 3 Ester Shatika (Immanuel Shifidi High School).

U19 boys: 1 Jason Kadandara (St. Paul's College), 2 Sakaria Imbondi (CJ Brandt), 3 Silas Anguku (Hage Geingob High School), 3 Pascal Eysselein (DHPS).

U17 girls: 1 Faith Iiyambo (Khomastura High School), 2 Ester Shatika (Immanuel Shifidi High School), 3 Hertha Pondjamba and Ndahambelela Johannes (Olof Palme Primary School).

U17 boys: 1 Fillemon Ikanda (Olof Palme Primary School), 2 Silas Anguku (Hage Geingob High School), 3 Jason Kadandara (St. Paul's College), 3 Pascal Eysselein (DHPS).

U15 girls: 1 Ester Shatika (Immanuel Shifidi High School), 2 Olof Palme Primary School’s Esther Nelenge (2), Wilhelmina Shivute (3) and Suverasaneje Ikorua (3).

U15 boys: 1 Fillemon Ikanda (Olof Palme Primary School), 2 Sakaria Imbondi (CJ Brandt), 3 Terence Kadandara (St. Paul's College), 3 Silas Anguku (Hage Geingob High School).

U13 girls: 1 Esther Nelenge (Olof Palme Primary School), 2 Sylvi Ikanda (Hillside Primary School), 3 Hertha Pondjamba and Michaela Jossop (Olof Palme Primary School).

U13 boys: 1 Olof Palme Primary School’s Fillemon Ikanda (1) and Natanael Dayelai (2), 3 Daniel Beukes (Orban Primary School), 3 Terence Kadandara (St. Paul's College).

U11 girls: 1 Esther Nelenge (Olof Palme Primary School), 2 Sylvi Ikanda (Hillside Primary School), 3 Wilhelmina Shivute (Olof Palme Primary School), 3 Sabina Shanika (Monte Christo Primary School).

U11 boys: 1 Terence Kadandara (St. Paul's College), 2 Kilian Beukes (St Joseph's Primary School), 3 James Bampton (Elim Primary School), 3 Tangi Haufiku (Olof Palme Primary School).

NTTA said the tournament fostered excitement, fun and community involvement. “Parents and teachers played a vital role in supporting the learners mentally, socially and physically.”

The fifth leg will be held on 9 August, with the sixth on 20 September, both at Windhoek’s Wanderers Sports Hall.