Africa-Press – Namibia. ANTICIPATION is building in the northern town of Ongwediva following the official launch on Monday of the annual Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School (GTSS) tournament.
The popular sporting event is set to unfold from Friday, 16 May to Sunday, 18 May 2025, promising a weekend filled with competitive action and community spirit.
Addressing attendees at the launch, GTSS Principal Sakaria Eelu proudly reflected on the tournament’s rich history, dating back to 1997.
LAUNCHING: The 2025 Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School tournament is officially being launched at the school grounds, with the various sponsors being unveiled. – Video by Maria David
He indicated its evolution into a significant event that fosters unity and healthy competition among schools across the northern regions of Namibia.
“As a school, we recognized the need to initiate this tournament as a vital platform where people can connect and engage, whether they represent different schools or are part of the broader community,” he said.
He added that they aspire to forge enduring partnerships between different schools while simultaneously providing a welcome boost to the local economy of Ongwediva and the surrounding region during these tournament days.
Eelu also provided insights into the financial commitment and community support for the event, revealing that GTSS has invested about N$40,000.
He expressed gratitude for the initial pledges received at the launch, which amounted to over N$20,000 in monetary value and in kind.
This year’s edition of the GTSS tournament will showcase a diverse range of sporting talent, featuring competitions in five key disciplines: the ever-popular boys’ and girls’ soccer, the dynamic team sport of netball, the fast-paced action of boys’ and girls’ basketball, the strategic rallies of volleyball, and the intellectual battles of chess.
Meanwhile, tournament ambassador Benson Shilongo, a celebrated former Brave Warriors player who is an alumnus of Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School, passionately called upon all sports enthusiasts to come out in large numbers to support the young athletes competing in the tournament.
“This tournament holds a special place for many of us who passed through the halls of GTSS,” Shilongo remarked.
“It is a fantastic arena for the many talented young individuals in our region to display their skills and passion for their chosen sports,” he added.
He then encouraged everyone to come and witness the future stars in action.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
