Windhoek — The minister of youth, national service, sport and culture, Hon. Willem Kondjore on Wednesday officially launched the 2010 All Africa Water-Ski championships to be hosted in Namibia.

More than 55 skiers and wake boarders are expected to take part in the event, which will be held at Von Bach Dam near Okahandja from 1 to 5 April. Speaking at the ceremony, Kondjore said: "Water-ski to be specific, gives practical effect to the stipulations enshrined in the Namibia sports Act - that opportunities to participate in sport shall be open to all.

"We are gathered today in that spirit, to put building blocks for the future of our children. We have come to realize that our strategic goals of focusing on developing sport to desired competitive levels would be severely thwarted if not accompanied by a comprehensive road map for sport development in general.

"Although participants have grown in numbers and the standard of skiing have improved, much still needs to be done in terms of taking the game to all corners of our beautiful republic," the minister said. The Minister also urged the Namibian national water ski team to go out and win against the world's best because "gone are the days when we took part in the competitions to make up the numbers." Chairperson of the Namibia Water-ski Association (NWSA), Martin Schmidt, said to host an international event of this caliber takes a lot of hard work, dedication and money. He said there is a need of setting up and revamping all the equipment to international standards, clearing areas for parking, setting up the business and medical centre, spectator areas, organizing refuse and sewerage removals, as well as power and arrangements for the skiers and judges to get to and from the venue.

"An enormous amount of money is needed to host such and event, and thanks to you our generous sponsors, this prestigious event will be taking place," Schmidt said.