Just over 10 years ago, a group of kids armed with nothing more than makeshift hockey sticks, rickety rollerblades and a newfound passion, conquered the pavements around Kramersdorf, Swakopmund. Shuffling a tennis-ball around with the click-clank of wheels, banging of sticks and howls of excitement filling the air, the sport of inline hockey would soon captivate the imagination of many a person. This infatuation would soon grow out of its primordial ‘after-school get-togethers’ and evolve into one of Namibia’s leading sports. Coupled with strict dedication and management, the sport of inline hockey has come a long way since the days of agitated homeowners waving their fingers at the ecstatic youth plaguing their pavements. With an arsenal of devoted committee members and expertise offered by international coaches of the highest degree, inline hockey has become a sport that all Namibians should admire and be proud of.

Inline hockey has become far removed from its humble beginnings and has instead opted for an ambience of fierce and stiff competition. At present, Namibia hosts 5 self-sustaining hockey clubs with a standard of expertise that would definitely rival many on this continent. On numerous occasions, Namibian teams have participated in national South African tournaments on both club and national level – with a record that boasts an impressive resume of wins and respect. This resume extends further than the borders to the south however, as Namibia, for the first time took part in the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship held in Finland last year. Many countries that took part had never even heard of Namibia, let alone a national inline hockey team coming from it.

Despite marginal losses against teams that have frequently participated on such international standards of professionality, the National team has certainly shown that it will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. With a win in the bag by clenching victory over Chinese Taipei, Namibia has automatically qualified for this year’s World Championship to be held in Hungary between 10 and 16 July 2006. With the experience gained and knowledge obtained from their first world Championship, the National Inline Hockey team is more driven and compelled to succeed and could possibly fortify several wins against first world countries who have unlimited access to the best sporting resources available. Though the only dilemma resides in a problem that we are all too familiar with: financial restraint. Is this an uphill battle on a rocky terrain? It most certainly is. Amidst the rigorous training camps being held, the National team has and will be hosting various fund raising events in order to represent our exquisite country in the international realm.

With your help we can pave a road that would allow Namibia’s finest inline hockey players and staff the opportunity to show the world what Namibia has to offer and so together we can raise our beautiful flag upon the hill laden with dedication and pride.

For more information please contact: Ulrike Rodenwoldt at 064 405207 or 081 240 1111.